Mike Norvell details how Florida State's turnaround has boosted recruiting

Florida State put together a tremendous season in 2023, going undefeated in the regular season before suffering a bowl game disaster against Georgia as opt-outs overwhelmed the team.

The tremendous regular-season success carried over to the recruiting trail, where the Seminoles inked the nation’s No. 14 ranked class.

But for coach Mike Norvell, the recruiting success is just the outward reflection of everything he has worked to build in Tallahassee since the day he first took over.

“You look at when a lot of these relationships started being built, at the beginning I was talking about the vision,” Norvell said. “And I try not to say anything outlandish at the beginning other than the fact of just watch us. This is what I believe will happen, this is what I believe will occur and these are the reasons why.”

No wild promises about championships to be won or anything like that. Instead, just a focus on the work that would be done to make that a potential reality.

“It wasn’t saying just we are going to win some games,” Norvell said. “No, I want you to watch all aspects of the program. I want you to watch our team GPA. I want you to watch what our players do within the community. I want you to see how they carry themselves. I want you to see how they respond to adversity. I want you to see the playmaking abilities and how we utilize them offensively, defensively and the special teams. That’s what I wanted them to be able to experience over the last few years.”

Look at Norvell’s trajectory at Florida State and it’s hard to view it as anything but a steady uphill climb. Whether the ‘Noles can keep it going now that they’ve been on the verge of a College Football Playoff berth remains to be seen, but the foundation is in place.

Recruits have seen that and responded accordingly.

“As you build trust when you can paint the picture, then obviously they see how it plays out and they can start picturing themselves doing those same things and continuing to elevate the program,” Norvell said. “So that’s what’s been a lot of fun for us. I remember Luke (Kromenhoek), the first time he came out to camp, we’re getting to know him, he’s getting to know us. And I think about the growth he’s had from that first camp experience. Cai (Bates) might have been at the same one as it rolled through, but I watched those guys.

“To see them grow and become what I believed they would and still stay true to who they are, stay true to the work, to the relationships, to just trying to be the best in all that they do. It’s a two-way street in it.”

If Mike Norvell can keep the on-field success rolling, Florida State will have a shot to cement itself as one of the nation’s powers. The potential for the program is through the roof.

“I’m just grateful for the guys that are coming to be a part of the program and I’m grateful for everybody that’s been a part of the program just painting the picture of what we’re all about,” Norvell said.