Mike Norvell explains how newcomers have pushed for roles during FSU camp

No team in the entire nation returns more production from a season ago than Florida State, bringing back 87% of their production between both sides of the ball according to ESPN’s Bill Connelly. And while veteran experience may be on the side of the Seminoles this season, some younger talent has also turned heads during fall camp.

Head coach Mike Norvell was recently asked about which freshman he expects to potentially contribute on special teams this season for Florida State, but he also revealed that some could be competing for playing time outside of the Seminoles’ kicking game.

“It’s been impressive watching that group as they’re coming in and learning,” Norvell said. “The defensive back group Ashlynd Barker, Conrad Hussey, Edwin Joseph, I mean we could go through all of them. Quin (Quindarrius Jones) has been here so we kind of understand where he’s gonna be or Ja’Bril Rawls I think has a great future. But seeing that defensive back room’s been really really good. I think a couple of those guys will be able to help us here this year as they continue to progress.”

Defensive back, particularly safety, was a big point of emphasis for Florida State in their most recent high school recruiting class bringing in five safeties this offseason. The Seminoles are solid at the cornerback position, returning players like Renardo Green and adding Fentrell Cypress. But some depth at the safety position would definitely help bolster and round out their secondary unit this season.

“A couple guys at linebacker that have stood out to me is Justin Cryer and Blake Nichelson. Both those guys I think have really taken a step battling to see five, six, where they’re gonna sit in that rotation of battling for that time defensively,” Norvell said. “But on the flip side of it, I think it would be great impact players there on special teams.”

Cryer joined the Seminoles this offseason after a lone season at Northwestern, while Nichelson comes in as a true freshman ranked the No. 18 linebacker in the 2023 class according to On3’s Industry Ranking. And both definitely have the physical tools to at least help the Seminoles on special teams, and potentially on defense.

“And offensively continuing, it’s Destyn Hill is a guy at the skill positions, but all of our tight ends I think have a chance. Which is something we wanted to create, I mean these guys have really embraced that and most of the other receivers I think are guys that are veteran or have shown that they can do that,” Norvell said.

Hill has impressed throughout fall camp and is expected to be an impact player in Florida State’s offense this season. But regarding the rest of the Seminoles’ freshmen class, it will definitely be intriguing to see who could potentially receive playing time amongst a roster loaded with veteran experience.