Mike Norvell addresses challenge of replacing Florida State stars from 2023

Florida State will return 58% of its production from last season for the 2024 campaign, per ESPN. The team suffered significant losses, with standouts such as Jared Verse, Keon Coleman, Trey Benson and Jordan Travis heading to the NFL.

While it hurts to see so many great players move on, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is still confident in his roster. At the 2024 ACC Media Days, Norvell revealed how he expects his team to cope with such a mass exodus of talent.

“Obviously, those are great players,” Norvell said. “But, as one steps out, an opportunity and a door opens for the next. We still have some great players that are returning guys that have been so very impactful.

“When you look at our offense right now it starts up front for us and you look at guys like Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, Jeremiah Byers, Rob Scott — guys that have so much experience that are coming back. When you can start up front, it opens up so many doors for everything else.”

Norvell didn’t stop there. The 42-year-old head coach also raved about the skill positions in his offense.

“Lawrance Toafili was the [ACC] Championship game MVP — his leadership, what he brings. The receiver position is one that I think we have great talent but that is one of the things we’re gonna get to be able to watch as we go into this next year.

“I really like our running back room. Tight end Kyle Morlock [is also a] returning starter from last year’s team. I like the dynamic that we have on that side of the ball. Now, it’s about who’s going to show up in the moment and be that consistent playmaker, because I believe we have the talent there.”

Where does Florida State’s defense go from here?

Norvell isn’t only confident in the Seminoles’ offense. He also weighed in on FSU’s defense in the 2024 campaign.

“When you look at the experience that we have in the defensive backfield, you mentioned [Azareye’h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress II] that were really, really impressive,” Norvell said. “Shyheim Brown is another guy that was an all-conference performer for us last year.

“Coach [Adam] Fuller, our defensive coordinator, and our defensive staff do a great job of playing to the skills of the guys that we have on that side of the ball.”

FSU fans won’t have to wait much longer to watch their beloved Seminoles take the field. On Aug. 24, FSU will kick off its 2024 campaign in a showdown against Georgia Tech at noon ET.