Mike Norvell discusses improvement of FSU linebacker room, what it means for defense

Florida State teams of late littered the NFL with stars along the defensive line and throughout the secondary. However, the linebacking corps hasn’t quite had the same pro success. Well, FSU coach Mike Norvell sees that changing in year three of his tenure in Tallahassee.

At recent media availability, Norvell was asked how the linebacking crew is coming along. In response, he named about half a dozen guys who have him excited about the position. He also praised the unit as a whole and its new coach, Randy Shannon.

Here were his full comments when asked about the middle level of his defense:

“Yeah, and I think you look at an improved Amari Gainer, an improved DJ Lundy, you know, Omar Graham, Stephen Dix. I mean, I’ll tell you, Brendan Gant showed up. He’s done some great things with his body too. You know, he’s probably put on 10 to 15 pounds. He’s, you know, just really — I saw him fly around tonight.”

That’s already four guys Coach Norvell is heaping praise on. He then continued:

“And yeah, I think that group, Coach Shannon, is doing a really good job with them. You know, Tatum [Bethune] I think is a special player. I mean, Kalen DeLoach, you know, you saw some of the things he was capable of last year as he settled in. And you know, he’s really pushing himself to take his game to the next level. I like that. I like the group. Like the competitiveness. You know, I like the depth that we’ve been able to establish.”

Lastly, Mike Norvell finished up his outline of the linebackers by further singing the merits of Mr. Graham.

“You know, young players like Omar Graham — all of these reps that he gets, you know, are huge because he’s still a very talented young man. But I do like the steps we’re seeing from our linebacker corps.”

Overall, Norvell clearly likes this group. Sure, they’ll have to prove their coach’s words on the field. Especially under a brand new positional coach. But the early comments are reassuring, no doubt.