As fall camp comes to end this week for the Florida State Seminoles, coach Mike Norvell likes where his team is at this point. Two more days of practice and the Seminoles break camp. Next week is game week for Florida State as they prepare to host New Mexico State.
With two days left of fall camp, Florida State coach Mike Norvell spoke with the media at a post-practice press conference on Thursday.
While Norvell was irritated by reporters asking “2 for 1” questions, he said “I like where we are and where we are trending.” Here are some other things he said about his team as Florida State is nine days away from kickoff against New Mexico State.
On receiver Jasen Lopez and his fellow freshmen…
“Yeah, I mean it's just the consistency and I think that's one of the biggest challenges for a freshman coming in,” said Norvell. “When you have a talented freshman class that we have, and I mean you see some great flashes, you see guys that have some really good weeks. But you know as you get going, it's a major jump from high school to college.”
“Even you use an example of Jason, you know, Jordan Crutchfield is a guy defensively that's really emerging,” said Norvell. I like a lot of what I'm seeing, you see those guys that they've just been steadily getting better and, you know, just have been very consistent in their approach and what they've been able to do. That's what's kind of set them apart.”
Lopez, a two-sport star, has certainly gotten the attention of the coaching staff with his play in fall camp, with his crisp route running and his acrobatic catches with defenders draped all over him.
He is making up for lost reps in spring practice as Lopez was still with the Florida State basketball team. Lopez may have played himself into a job as the third receiver and punt returner. Freshman or not, Lopez’s talent and athleticism cannot be ignored.
On the running backs, and whether it would be by committee or would there be a lead back who gets the majority of the carries…
“Obviously, if you have a guy that shows that consistency, the durability, you know, obviously the production, yes,” said Norvell. “If a guy can sit there and get 15 to 20 carries, and you got guys that are at you 10 to 15, that's a great measure and balance. But those have to be earned reps and everybody's got different strengths.”
Running back Ousmane Kromah has stood out in fall camp, especially from a preparation standpoint. He slimmed down and was available for both scrimmages at this point in camp. Kromah has immersed himself in the minutiae of what Norvell wants the Seminoles to do offensively.
The same cannot be said for Quintrevion Wisner. The Texas transfer has missed some valuable reps in fall camp, nursing an injury. Wisner was back at practice this week, however, but it may be too little, too late. Regardless of the coach’s speak coming out of his mouth, look for Norvell to start Kromah against New Mexico State.
Next week is game week for the Seminoles, as the team shifts its mindset from practice mode to playing for real, where the numbers on the scoreboard mean something when that clock strikes 0:00.
Make no mistake, the New Mexico State game is one the Seminoles are supposed to win. They should play dominant football and leave no doubt, but not let it become a trap game. Score a lot of points, maintain leads, and create takeaways with violence of action.
The Week zero game should be a tune-up contest to prepare for their Week 1 game against SMU, considered to be one of the top teams in the ACC this season. Next week is an opportunity for Norvell and Seminoles to change the mindset of this team to one of a cohesive unit of winners, change the perception of the fans and the media, and make Florida State relevant again.
Chief Osceola on the back of Renegade, trotting out to midfield and planting a flaming spear into the turf of Doak Campbell Stadium, is the greatest entrance in college football. Combine that with the tomahawk chop and the war chant, and the Seminoles have the greatest force multiplier in college football. Florida State needs to be a good football team this season, not only for themselves and their loyal fanbase, but for the good of college football.
