Mike Norvell explains why he once told top-rated OT Jeremiah Byers not to come to FSU

This offseason, Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles landed UTEP transfer Jeremiah Byers, one of the top-rated offensive linemen from the transfer portal. However, at one point, Norvell actually told Byers not to come to Florida State.

During the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff, Norvell explained why he would tell a player that he was interested in not to come.

“Like I said, I don’t want just a jersey number,” Mike Norvell said. “I’m not looking for a guy to just fill a role at a position. We don’t need bodies. We need the right guys who come in and we’re going to get all of them. So, as we go through this process, I tell them, ‘Florida State’s not for everybody. It’s just for the real ones and the guys that want to be a part of the challenge, the competition.'”

Norvell explained that Florida State is a program that relies on work ethic and having players who work to get better every day. That means that every day players need to earn their jobs, regardless of what happened in the past.

“You sit there and look at the returning production that we have. Well, also look at the guys who have come in. I mean, there’s guys who have started for us this past year that might not be starters for us. They’ll play,” Norvell said.

“And there’s guys who might’ve transferred in that were starting at other programs that will have a role within ours, but every day you’ve got to show up to be your best and when you present it to guys and they say, ‘No, this is what I want to be around. That’s what’s gonna make me the best that I can be and I might be able to do it with like-minded individuals.'”

Jeremiah Byers proved that he wants to be a part of this program and came to Florida State to help bring an ACC Championship to Tallahassee. For Norvell, coaching players like Byers and a team like he has this season is why he loves the job.

“That’s what makes my job so much fun. I love coaching this team. This is a fun group to coach because it’s not just the on the field, it’s what they’re doing off the field. You know, this last year, of 3.0 team GPA. It’s the best ever in program history because they’re embracing challenge. They’re working to be their best and when you have that, the on the field, I truly believe, is going to be indicative of the work you’re putting in off the field.”

Mike Norvell explained it’s important to get the right guys

While Florida State has found plenty of success in the transfer portal under Mike Norvell, the most important thing according to Norvell is finding the right players.

“Really, the big picture of guys that are coming in, whether it’s high school, whether it’s transfers. We’re looking for the right fit. I think there’s been a lot of focus on the transfer portal and guys that have come in — there’s plenty of programs that have taken more than we’ve taken. I just think we’re getting the right guys and guys that want to come and be a part of the program. We’ve got a wonderful group,” Norvell said.

“I mean, you look at Braden Fiske, is a guy I think has a chance to be a dynamic player for us. Jaheim Bell coming in from South Carolina. Jeremiah Byers. You know, Casey Roddick is one of those guys, he was a multi-year starter, a team captain. He’s come in and he wants to use that leadership, build those relationships. All these guys want to make the most of their time at Florida State. Making a difference on the field, but also making a great difference and building those relationships in the locker room, and that’s what makes these guys truly who they are and it’s why you’ve seen our program continue to grow.”