Norvell sees Seminoles developing ‘tough’ identity
Florida State coach Mike Norvell wanted to challenge his team this past week, pushing the players harder than they’d been since preseason camp started. After a stretch of five straight practices, including a two-day road trip to Jacksonville, the Seminoles ended the week by hosting their second scrimmage Saturday night.
“You try to create some adverse situations and circumstances and I thought our guys handled it well,” Norvell said. “We had a ton of energy and our guys were flying around tonight.”
Norvell hoped to discover what sort of identity the Seminoles would take this season by challenging them this week. He found his answer after Saturday’s performance.
“It’s a team that’s tough,” Norvell said. “They’re building their mental toughness, and the physical toughness is something that’s shown up. They’re passionate. You see the energy, the excitement, the competitiveness and that showed up again tonight.”
Young QBs tested: With Jordan Travis locked in as FSU’s starting quarterback, Tate Rodemaker and AJ Duffy spent much of the scrimmage with the first-team offense. Norvell was impressed with how both handled ownership of the offense and was particularly pleased with how both were able to push the ball downfield.
“They didn’t seem uncomfortable,” Norvell said. “When you’re looking at quarterbacks, especially young quarterbacks, [you’re looking for how] they’re able to take control of the offense and make different calls based on the different things that they’re seeing while still being able to play fast within our system.”
Offensive coordinator Alex Atkins said the younger quarterbacks needed to work with some older groups.
“Tate was poised and AJ made good decisions,” Atkins said. “We didn’t have many of the negatives we had in the first scrimmage, so those guys showed their understanding and confidence in the offense.”
Offensive line challenged: It’s been a challenging time for the offensive line, which had to rotate players due to injuries.
For Atkins, who also coaches the offensive line, the scrimmage offered a chance to challenge his players.
“I threw some monkey wrenches at them,” Atkins said. “I made it as uncomfortable as possible. I told guys who played right [side] all camp they’re playing left today. I told some guys playing left that they’re playing right. I did it to cause more focus. We want to build continuity, but we also have to operate when there is no continuity, so you’ve got to train for both instances.”
When transfer center Kayden Lyles went down with a season-ending injury this week, the Seminoles began identifying possible replacements.
“We’re going to have about four or five guys that can play that position outside the ones we already have,” Atkins said. “So, we’re just building that depth. This is the time to stress them; this is the time to make it uncomfortable.”
Robinson continues to impress: Among the defense, safety Jammie Robinson drew praise from the coaches for his effort Saturday.
“Jammie’s trying to play as hard as he can, every rep,” said defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. “He’s starting on kickoff and punt [duties] and we’re pushing him. He’s starting a lot of snaps on defense and we’re moving him around some to create flexibility for our defense and to be able to showcase his talents.
“Jammie’s come on these last couple of practices. He’s playing hard; he’s playing fast. I know what Jammie’s about and I’m looking forward to coaching him and pushing him and he’s also pushing the other guys on the team.”