Mike Norvell evaluates offensive line play in first scrimmage

Florida State is poised to contend for an ACC championship in 2023, and doing so will require stout play from the offensive line. The Seminoles have the personnel to make it happen, but Mike Norvell didn’t love what he saw from the unit during the first spring scrimmage.

He offered one main caveat: Several players sat out due to various injuries and ailments. Regardless, Norvell isn’t going to tolerate some of the sloppy play he saw.

“So we had some different sequences and who was going with which group. But I thought there were some good things that were done. There were some holes created in the run game. Some solid times where we were solid in protection,” Norvell said. “But like I said, there were too many negatives in regards to a couple holding calls whether they or the tight ends, that hurt us on a couple plays. And those are things that we can absolutely get better and improve upon. But it was good for us to get that work.”

Florida State is also incorporating three transfer offensive linemen into the fold. There’s Jeremiah Byers from UTEP, Casey Roddick from Colorado and Keiondre Jones from Auburn — and all three are getting work in at various spots.

“Casey Roddick’s playing a lot of center. Throughout this spring, we want to be able to have that competition but also be able to have that depth as well. He’s also getting reps at guard. Moving him around. Jeremiah Byers, doing a lot of good things. I’m liking what I’m seeing, him and JJ both are — they’re all very talented players, but now you’re learning an entire new language, and it’s the application. It’s the speed,” Norvell said. “We do have a good defensive front. And I think that’s one thing, that all three of those guys appreciate what they have to go against every day. And it’s pushing them to get better, also having to become more detailed and more competent in things we’re asking them to do, it’s all a part of their process.”

Norvell expanded on the point about learning a new language — i.e. the various words associated with schemes used to call plays — and meshing that with technique. The scrimmage, he said, is an ideal proving ground for Florida State to see what it’s got on the offensive line.

“Guys that played elsewhere, they’re still learning new languages. There’s certain techniques, certain things that we expect in how we do things that might’ve been different than what they’ve done before. So, the experience of being on the field is one thing. And it’s good, you see that in how guys work,” Norvell said. “But what I love about the scrimmage is, now you’ve gotta apply it and apply it at a very fast rate.”