Mike Norvell shares how important retention has been to FSU's success

There are high expectations for Florida State entering the 2023 season. A big reason for that is the fact that several Seminoles players passed on the 2023 NFL Draft and chose to return to school.

Florida State defensive back Akeem Dent, defensive lineman Jared Verse, quarterback Jordan Travis and receiver Johnny Wilson are among the players who passed on the NFL to return to school and try to do something special.

FSU coach Mike Norvell spoke at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff event about how important retention has been to Florida State’s success.

“I think it’s huge. I think it’s retention of players, retention of staff. Guys have opportunities to do other things, whether it’s players going to the NFL, staff with other opportunities that are out there,” Norvell said. “Relationships are so important. Guys understand who they’re doing it with. They understand the communication, the expectations. It allows you to play faster. It allows you to trust more, because you have the experience.”

As Norvell mentioned, Florida State has had excellent staff continuity, too. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain is the only new member of Norvell’s staff for the 2023 season.

Norvell believes it says a lot about the Seminoles program that both coaches and players chose to stay this offseason.

“It was big within our program the last few years to be able to have that continuity. And when you see players that are choosing to be a part of this for another year… it tells me they care about who they’re doing it with. They care about what they represent. They care about who they do it for, obviously,” Norvell said. “I mean they’re willing to put everything that they have into their development. And they know that this is a place where they can continue to grow and get better based off what they’re being asked of. We’ve got a great group.”

Jordan Travis recalls his emotions learning Jared Verse was returning for 2023 season

Speaking of Jordan Travis and Jared Verse, Travis shared with the ACC Network his reaction to learning that Verse would be coming back to school for one more season.

“I knew pretty early on,” Jordan Travis said. “He told me and Trey [Benson] pretty early on. I didn’t believe it until he announced it. You never know with Jared.”

Jared Verse transferred to Florida State from Albany ahead of the 2022 season. With his big personality, Jordan Travis admitted that he rubbed people the wrong way at first. Then, he started to produce on the field and everyone came around on Verse. In 12 games, he had nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

“We are so blessed to have him back. Just another leader for this football team and obviously a great playmaker. I’m so glad he’s on our team and we’re not facing him. He’s a special player.”