Mike Norvell assesses the progress, growth of Byron Turner this season

Byron Turner was one of the top recruits for Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles in their 2021 recruiting class. The four-star recruit out of New Orleans, LA, started the year in a prime position to see plenty of playing time on special teams and some looks along the defensive line. Unfortunately, an injury setback forced him to miss Florida State’s last three games. But now that he’s back on the practice field with his Seminole teammates, the expectation is he will play sooner rather than later. Recently, head coach Mike Norvell assessed Turner’s recovery progress and his impact this season.

“Good. Today was the most work that he’s gotten,” said Norvell. “It was great having him early in the season, especially in some of those special teams units. Just his speed and physicality, I like it. Right now, he’s still growing in his role as a defensive end. But getting those game reps, it’s huge for his growth and overall mindset that he’s gonna bring as he continues to grow there on the defensive front.”

“He’s making a great impact on special teams. It’s good to get him out today and seeing him really be able to open up and, hopefully, as the week progresses, continue to build that strength and be ready to go here for Saturday.”

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Turner didn’t get to see the field much in his freshman season attribute is sidelined much of it with a shoulder injury. This season in the first four games, Norvell has been using him primarily and special teams, where he has shown success and improvement on the field. Turner’s return to action will help Florida State with their pass rush defense and give them another playmaker on special teams.

Turner, who graduated from St. Augustine high school in New Orleans, elected to join the Seminoles instead of Louisiana’s in-state football powerhouse of LSU. Coming out of high school in 2021, he was a four-star recruit, according to On3’s consensus recruiting database. Turner ranked 399 nationally, 41 at the EDGE position, and was the 14 best player to come out of Louisiana.

This season Turner saw the field early and often. However, he has not put up much on the stat line. On the season, the Florida State defensive lineman has just one assisted tackle.