Mike Norvell addresses Jordan Travis' chemistry with receivers

Chemistry is key between a quarterback and his wide receivers, and during Seminoles’ fall camp, Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis has been displaying a clear connection with his wide receiving corps.

Whether it’s familiar targets or new additions, Travis has been able to get it done consistently with his wideouts. And following a recent practice, head coach Mike Norvell spoke about his star quarterback’s ability to mesh with his pass catchers.

“It’s repetition, and it doesn’t matter how many games you’ve played or the number of practices, but as you build upon your experiences,” Norvell said. “Because every play is unique to itself, but when you have a better understanding of where the receiver’s gonna be, you guys are working that [chemistry].”

Travis had a breakout season for Florida State last year, throwing for a career-high 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns on a 64% completion percentage along with a career-low five interceptions on the year. And per usual, he also got it done with his legs rushing for 417 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground for the third consecutive time in his career.

He earned second-team All-ACC as a result and was PFF’s highest-graded FBS quarterback and highest-graded offensive player in ACC, and with him returning three of his top six targets from a season ago, he could potentially double down on last year’s showing.

“People talk about chemistry. Well chemistry doesn’t happen just because you want it to, it’s something that’s gotta be earned, it’s gotta be developed,” Norvell said. “And I think our guys have done a great job with that investing the time and you see those reps start to show up.”

Travis’ top target and another member of the All-ACC second team Johnny Wilson returns after averaging 20.9 yards per reception last season, but the Seminoles also added a slew of new and exciting targets through the transfer portal and from within.

Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman joined the team this offseason after posting 58 receptions for 798 yards and seven touchdowns last year for the Spartans, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors. Additionally, freshman wide receiver Destyn Hill has also been turning heads during fall camp along with Coleman after sitting out the last two seasons, with the duo making a multitude of explosive plays on the Semonoles’ defense at practice.

Florida State also added versatile tight end Jaheim Bell to their squad this offseason, who had plenty of proven production in the SEC in his three seasons at South Carolina. And if Travis is firing on all cylinders with his old and new weapons, he and the Seminoles’ offense could be even more dangerous in 2023.