Mike Norvell says Kalen DeLoach must be a 'heartbeat' for Florida State

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell knows that expectations are incredibly high for the Seminoles in 2023. One of the key players to that success is going to be star linebacker Kalen DeLoach.

Now, Norvell says that DeLoach is going to be the team’s heartbeat this season.

“Kalen’s a guy that, you know, he’s got to be one of those heartbeats for us,” Mike Norvell said. “And he’s been here since we came through the door as a coaching staff. Probably as much growth from a young man from that first date to where he is now.”

During Florida State’s Garnett and Gold Spring Showcase, Kalen DeLoach forced two turnovers and Mike Norvell emphasized just how much he’s developed during his time in Tallahassee.

“Just, in all things. His attitude, his approach. You know, if he’s not exceptional on a day, it really shows up. Like, if he’s not bringing that type of intensity because that’s just who he is, and I thought it was great today to see him get a couple takeaways. Both in good situations. One on an interception. One on when the ball got to the ground. You know, just being around the ball, being active, being physical.”

Kalen DeLoach was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2019. He was the 29th ranked linebacker and the 237th ranked player in the class overall. Last season, he had 65 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. On top of that, he had seven passes defended. In 2023, he hopes to build on that effort.

“I think he’s put himself in a position to have a really good year upcoming and we need him too because he definitely is somebody that a team can feed off of and, obviously, his energy and explosiveness, I mean, just a really good playmaker.”

Kalen DeLoach on his decision to return for 2023

It wasn’t a sure thing that Kalen DeLoach was even going to return to Florida State in 2023. He did, and as he explained a lot of that had to do with fellow linebacker Tatum Bethune deciding to return.

“My pop and Tatum’s pop are real close, so you know they talked,” Kalen DeLoach said.

“Then me and Tatum are real close. So, I feel it was more of a collective decision, like both parties. We decided what we wanted to do and figured out what was best for us.”