Mike Norvell wants players who want to ‘be part of the solution’ at Florida State

It’s been a nightmare first half of the season for Florida State. And at 1-5, head coach Mike Norvell isn’t shying away from the realities around his team.

That includes how the bad open and associated negative perceptions play poorly in recruiting and the Seminoles’ ability to attract and retain top talent. Norvell isn’t wrought with concern, though, as he’s putting a premium on the fact players have a chance to be part of fixing what ails Florida State.

“Looking for the guys that are the right fit for us, that want to have an opportunity to come and be a difference making,” Norvell said. “I know it’s quick, any time you lose a game, the first question is ‘What does this do to your status?’ Like, ultimately, if somebody’s just coming here for the record, then that’s probably not the best fit for them. If it’s about the opportunity, what we do, how we do it, obviously the continued mentality of the guys that we want to be with the relationships and the development of the young men that we have, and I want guys that want to come in and be part of the solution.”

Norvell even pointed to a recent example of that type of player in the form of Jared Verse.

Verse transferred to Florida State from the FCS level and went on to be an early draft pick and has looked strong early in his NFL career. And while he was at Florida State, he helped take a team that was 5-7 the season before he joined to a perfect regular season in 2023.

“We’ve seen what that looks like before,” Norvell said. “Jared Verse came here when we were a 5-7 team and he had a lot of teams with better records that were recruiting him. And he said, ‘I know what I can bring.’ And it’s worked out pretty good.”

And it doesn’t need to be transfers. One way or another, Norvell wants players who are problem solvers, who can help Florida State put the 2024 campaign behind it and built to bigger and better things.

“It wasn’t any different a year ago when you win 13 games in the regular season, ‘Well, who’s going to come make it better?'” Norvell said. “And ultimately if you have a disappointing start to the season, if things don’t go exactly how you pictured it going, come be a part of the answer. We’ve got a lot of guys that we’re recruiting, a lot of guys that have a desire and an urge to come be that.”