Mike Norvell shares positive review of in-game communication with D.J. Uiagalelei

Communication is going to be of massive importance for the Florida State Seminoles on offense, particularly as head coach Mike Norvell adjusts to in-game helmet communications and a relationship with a new quarterback in D.J. Uiagalelei.

During Spring practice, Norvell praised Uiagalelei and shared an overall positive review of how in-game communications have gone so far for Florida State.

“Really, it’s one-way communication,” Mike Norvell said. “But, obviously, you can see the way he applies maybe a reminder or a tip. I think it’s good and I think D.J. is really smart. He has done a wonderful job learning things we are asking him to do. He brings his skill and talent to the table. I think he’s gotten better. I am very excited about what he brings to our program.”

Since 1994, the NFL has been able to communicate with a player on the field through an in-helmet communication system. Now, in 2024, that technology is coming to college football, with coaches being able to speak to one player on the field at a time, instead of using hand signals from the sidelines.

In most cases, that’s going to be the quarterback on the offensive side of the ball who the coach speaks to during games. For Florida State, that means communicating with D.J. Uiagalelei, who Mike Norvell couldn’t say enough good things about.

“I think as much as he brings on the field, who he is off the field is really special,” Norvell concluded.

Florida State will be Uiagalelei’s third school, having previously started for Clemson and Oregon State. He replaced Jordan Travis at quarterback, who helped bring the program back to prominence during his time there. The hope for Norvell is that his experience will make the transition from Travis much easier than it otherwise would be.

Mike Norvell claims Florida State has shown impressive speed in spring practice

One thing about the team as a whole that has stood out and impressed Mike Norvell is the Seminoles’ team speed.

“We can run,” Norvell said.

“We absolutely have speed, we have explosiveness. I think that there’s great competition across the board. Last year, there were some positions that we had great depth at, but I think collectively, across the board, we have a chance to be a deeper football team where we’ll be able to have guys at every position that will be able to go out there and play winning football for us, and that’s exciting.”