WR Matthews’ status in limbo after COVID-19 tweet
Florida State coach Mike Norvell hasn’t spoken with receiver D.J. Matthews since the senior spoke out on social media about testing positive for COVID-19 last month, with the first-year coach indicating the Jacksonville native isn’t with the team at the moment.
“I haven’t talked to D.J. in a little while,” Norvell said Friday. “I know he’s working through that process.”
Matthews was among a few players who expressed concern over Florida State’s handling of COVID-19 safety protocol.
“Damn I tested positive for COVID. Y’all be safe an where y’all mask,” Matthews wrote in a tweet posted on Aug. 12.
The post was later deleted. Matthews’ comments came on the heels of a statement by teammate Warren Thompson on Instagram, who said he had been lied to several times by the coaching staff about health and safety protocol.
Norvell denied those accusations, stating he’s been transparent with the team about COVID-19 precautions this season. Thompson apologized for the message after reaching out to Norvell to talk about his concerns.
“We’re moving forward together,” Norvell said of the talk with Thompson. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help him grow and develop to be able to continue to develop that relationship.”
Matthews ranked second on the FSU roster in receiving last season with 36 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns. He also was the Seminoles’ primary punt returner with 19 returns for 125 yards.
FSU is not releasing details about COVID-19 positive cases among the football team.
FSU searches for QB2
With James Blackman set as Florida State’s starting quarterback for the opener against Georgia Tech, the focus has shifted to identifying his backup. The process got tougher after redshirt sophomore Jordan Travis and true freshman Chubba Purdy missed time while battling injuries during camp.
Travis returned to practice this week and has been splitting time with true freshman maker.
“Jordan has looked very good this week coming back and into action,” Norvell said. “I’m really pleased with what I’ve been seeing from Tate. I’m very excited about his development and growth.
“To say there’s a defined [QB] 2, we don’t have that yet. We’re excited about the plan we’re putting together and the opportunity to be able to showcase our guy’s skills and talents and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
Tate Rode
Set for mock game
Norvell said the coaching staff have treated much of this week as if it were a typical game week to show players what they can expect. It includes a mock game on Saturday.
“I want the guys to have a great confidence in how we prepare,” Norvell said, adding the team will participate in a pregame routine much as they would during game day. “We want guys to know exactly where they’re going and what it’s going to look like to be as sharp and as efficient as possible.”
The Seminoles will run through 40 to 50 game situations, according to Norvell. The practice will include instruction on how to handle a lightning delay.
“There are some things we do in this mock game that I’ve yet to experience in a real game, but we want to make sure we have that situation covered,” he said. “It’s all a learning experience and I think our guys are handling it well.”