Mike Norvell reveals what he likes from Florida State defensive line

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell knows that for the Seminoles to reach their goals this season, they need to be strong in all three phases. On the defensive side of the ball, being strong starts up front with the defensive line setting the tone.

With Fall Camp in full swing, Norvell shared what he likes from the Florida State defensive line so far this offseason. However, that did come with the caveat that it’s difficult to judge defensive linemen without pads on.

“Yes, I mean, yes, but when you don’t have pads on you don’t get too excited about any of those things,” Mike Norvell said. “What I liked was they were able to get lined up quick, they were able to take a good first step. I mean, we have big athletic, strong human beings. So, I’m expecting them to have a great Fall Camp, but we’ll get to see a lot more as we continue to progress and get pads on.”

While Norvell hasn’t had a chance to see too much from his defensive line unit in pads this year, he knows what he’s getting from several key contributors. That includes edge rusher Jared Verse, who had a phenomenal 2022 campaign.

In the Spring, Mike Norvell broke down the motivation level he was seeing from stars like Verse.

“So, I mean, there’s a lot of guys that have played a lot of football and you feel their desire to get better, and I know it’s an easy thing to say, ‘Well, I just want to get better,’” Norvell said. “But it’s another thing to come out when your body’s a little sore, you’re tired, and you have that day one push to go and show it. So, that’s some good work.”

Mike Norvell on his excitement level for 2023

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Florida State for the 2023 season, but nobody is more excited for the season than Mike Norvell.

“I mean, I hope I’m more excited today than I was yesterday. And Lord willing, I wake up tomorrow more excited than what I was today. Every chance that we get to be together, every chance that we get to positively impact each other on this journey, there should be a sense of excitement. I’m grateful for who I get to coach, I’m grateful for who I get to coach with, (and) I’m grateful for what I get to represent. And that builds because when you pour your heart into it, when you pour your work into it, all the passion that you have, it that ownership,” Norvell said.

“I believe in these young men. I believe in the work that I’ve seen them do. We have a responsibility to honor that work. And with how we play, with how we carry ourselves, the position that they’re going to put themselves in and that we can assist with as coaches. So yeah, I’m more excited right now than I’ve ever been because of the work that’s gone into it… We’re excited for the opportunity.”