Mike Norvell shares where kicking competition stands

Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell knows that games can be won and lost on special teams. It’s not a unit to overlook, especially when the Seminoles have high hopes for the season and are going to need to find a way to win close games.

So, the Seminoles are having a kicker competition. To this point in Fall Camp, Norvell has been happy with his kickers amid that competition, saying that they’re all playing well, especially in team situations.

“They’re doing really well,” Mike Norvell said. “I mean, looking back at it, I don’t have the numbers right [here], but I think both guys in team situations, I don’t know if they’ve missed a kick in team situations. There might be one the second day of — they’ve been remarkable.”

Ryan Fitzgerald was Florida State’s primary kicker last season. He’s back but after an inconsistent season in 2022, he needs to earn his job this year. His primary competition going into the 2023 season is Tyler Keltner, a transfer from East Tennessee State who was twice named an All-Southern Conference performer.

Having multiple kickers that you trust isn’t a bad thing. However, Mike Norvell is going to need to decide who gets the first opportunity once the season is underway.

“Now, obviously, we’re charting all things and looking through it, but they’ve been really good with what we’re asking them to do and even with the competition, seeing them elevate their play, but also just the way they’re working with each other. I’m really pleased with what I’m seeing from that group.”

While Mike Norvell is happy with how both players are playing, he will have to choose one of them before kicking off against LSU.

Mike Norvell sees quality depth emerging amid injuries

Florida State has been dealing with some injury issues during Fall Camp. Despite this, Mike Norvell thinks this has helped quality depth emerge.

“Yeah, we’ve had normal early camp, some bruises, some things that are that have jumped out. Nothing that’s too concerning big picture-wise. But we got some guys that are working through different issues, and we’ll continue to get them back on the field as quick as possible,” Norvell said.

“That’s where the depth and the quality of newcomers is something that I’m really, really excited about—just seeing those guys maximize the opportunity that they’re getting. And we got a lot of competition. This is gonna be good for us in the long run with some of the positions that have a couple of guys that are down, just how it can all work together.”