Mike Norvell addresses Rodney Hill, possibility of a redshirt

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell discussed freshman running back Rodney Hill‘s status on Tuesday and the possibility of the youngster redshirting his first season. Hill has played in two games for the Seminoles so far. He has 12 carries, 72 yards and a touchdown in those two appearances.

Norvell revealed that due to Treshaun Ward‘s injury on Saturday, the freshman could see his workload increase.

“It does (open the door for Hill),” Norvell said. “Rodney’s done a really good job throughout this year and we’ve kept him very active and involved in practice. He’s got an incredible future in front of him.

“It is fun watching him grow in his confidence and making the most of the time he’s had… He’s got to be ready… The time is now.”

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Hill had the best game so far of his early career in Week 0. He had nine rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown versus Duquesne. However, he didn’t see the field again until the Boston College game on Sept. 24. Florida State has taken losses in their last two games and although Ward is now injured, it presents an opportunity for the freshman to help carry the load.

At 5-foot-10, 186 pounds, Hill could contribute as a receiver out of the backfield, though he hasn’t caught a pass yet this year.

According to the On3 Consensus Rankings for the 2022 cycle, he was rated as the No. 37 running back prospect in America and the No. 51 overall prospect in the state of Georgia. He committed to Mike Norvell and the Seminoles after flipping on his decision to go to Virginia.

Norvell confirms Ja’Khi Douglas will be available for Week 7

Mike Norvell delivered some good news on Tuesday, revealing that wideout Ja’Khi Douglas is finally ready to make his 2022 debut versus Clemson on Saturday.

After getting hurt in one of the Seminoles’ preseason scrimmages, Douglas missed the first six games of the season. Florida State had hoped to get the sophomore receiver back after Week 0, but the undisclosed injury was apparently more serious than they initially thought.

“It was great to have him back… he got his final clearance so he is going to be available to play,” Norvell said after Tuesday’s practice. “You see his speed, his explosiveness, the versatility of the things he does. We’re still going to bring him back into it. But I thought he did a nice job on his first day back.”

Last season, Douglas recorded 14 receptions for 255 yards and a touchdown; along with seven rushing attempts for six yards. He may not be ready to be a go-to guy in Week 7, but his return at this point of the season gives him several opportunities to have a breakout performance.