Mike Norvell shares what he learned about Florida State in spring ball

Florida State‘s Garnet and Gold Spring Showcase on Saturday marked the end of spring practice for the Seminoles. There’s no question that Florida State brought back a talented roster with high expectations entering the 2023 season, but what did head coach Mike Norvell learn about his team following the conclusion of spring practices?

Norvell gave his thoughts following his team’s showcase on Saturday.

“We have to have an edge, I mean it’s critical, it’s absolutely critical,” Norvell said. “That’s what this team’s built on, it’s built on that edge of work, of toughness, physicality, of going out and getter better. And that where if people don’t think you’re worth a crap, it’s not hard to have an edge. When people start telling you they think you’re pretty good, you gotta maintain that focus and that drive of self-improvement and blocking out all things you didn’t listen to a year ago, you don’t need to listen to the now.”

After three-win and five-win seasons under Norvell, the Seminoles did an excellent job of blocking out the noise last season, finishing last season 10-3 capped off with their first bowl victory since 2017.

But will they be able to block out the positive noise the same way they did with the negative noise? Norvell believes his team’s daily focus and player-led culture will surely help.

“And it’s just truly about leaving the field every day, you’re leaving the weight room or the classroom and say did I give my best and did I get better?” Norvell asked. “And if you can achieve that, you’ve got a chance, and I think this team it is more player-led than any team that we’ve had and that’s what it should be.”

The Seminoles return several notable starters like quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, defensive lineman Jared Verse, and many more. Florida State’s bringing back a ton of production from their top players, but the leadership of those same players could be the catalyst in building on their newfound success from a season ago.

“I want to be coach inspired, I want our coaches to make sure that we’re teaching, we’re inspiring these guys, we’re pushing them and showing them all the things that they can do. But I want the players to have the ownership of taking the reigns and making sure that the standard is showing up on a daily basis,” Norvell concluded.