Update, 19:05
Mike Norvell was pleased with the Seminoles approach on the first day of practice. The biggest difference he saw was his teams’ conditioning and ability to complete the exercise. He said: ‘Good first day. I thought the guys had a lot of energy, started in meetings, guys were very observant. We want to be very aggressive in the installation, the intensity of the individual representatives. ”
Much of the improvement in conditioning and approach comes from the weight room. Last week, the Seminoles concluded their winter program with a squat party in the weight room. On the day, Norvell said: ” It was a great way to finish the winter program. It was exciting to watch. You see a team coming together through the challenge, through the work … Even at times when guys could not complete their rep, it’s the encouragement. “
The state of Florida has a deep quarterback room with the addition of McKenzie Milton and the return of three guys who started at some point last year. Norvell is looking forward to the way those guys push each other. ‘It’s a challenge; our guys know it’s a real competition. I thought they were doing well today. I thought McKenzie had pretty much control over what we asked him to do. I thought Jordan looked really good, Chubba and Tate made some nice throws. ”
Asked about Darius Washington, the attacking linebacker, Norvell said he was the best player on the team through the winter program. Commenting on Washington and his first full off-season program, Norvell said: ‘There has been an incredible transformation for him with the full off-season. Darius, he is absolutely the best in what he has done. Great expectations for him and he answered the call in the winter program. ”
Florida’s defense struggled strongly last season. But it was also a brand new system for the third consecutive year. With some continuity in the system this year, Norvell thinks the defense will be able to play just this year. ‘Try to allow those guys to play as fast as possible. It is a learning experience for us to see exactly what we have. Guys we look at in different positions and different roles. ”
Update, 19:20
Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham was second on the podium today. Dillingham is excited to see guys play now that they have confidence and knowledge of Norvell’s system. Like Norvell, he also mentioned that conditioning is on a whole new level. He said that fame was the biggest thing to bring about improvement. ‘This is the first time these guys have the same staff on the attack, except for Baveon maybe. Our conditional level is not even comparable. Last year we could hardly practice anymore. ”
Dillingham were impressed with his backs on the first day. He was pleased with the way they took out the ball and used their knowledge of the offense in their favor. Dillingham said: ‘I was impressed, the level of comfort differs drastically. Significantly higher than it was. Knowledge of the system appears with their feet and eyes. To make a plan every moment for a moment. ‘
Another group that Dillingham was happy with was the running room. Specifically, he praised Jashaun Corbin, the third staff member to do so this spring. On the backs, he said, ‘Love it, those guys, the group as a whole is all-in. Corbin has taken a big step from a leadership standpoint. He is by nature a reserved man, but he challenges himself to act outside his comfort zone to lead. ‘
Norvell mentioned that Malik McClain and Josh Burrell, the first-year students, do not look like first-years. Dillingham called them physical monsters and said consistency would be the key to it. ‘It’s a physical monster from a freshman’s point of view. They are both guys who come in with the tools to help us early. The will. After one exercise, it’s about consistency for a young man. Can they make the big play in the back-to-back days. ”
Update, 19:35
Running rugby Jashaun Corbin, linebacker Amari Gainer and quarterback Jordan Travis met with the media today. Corbin, the star of the winter program, spoke about his progress as a leader and as a player. He said it was physically as well as mentally the best he had ever felt at university. Corbin said he was just trying to set the example and show the young guys how it was done. When he was a leader, he said, ‘I feel like the natural passage of time and experience playing college football. It just came naturally from me. ‘
Gainer talked about his weight gain and his versatility in playing in the line judge outside and inside. Gainer said he now has 235 pounds of all-natural weight through his nutrition and workouts. The linebacker also talked about the difference that continuity provided the defense this spring. On the difference from last year to now, he said: ‘It’s definitely different because it’s already used to the coaches. It feels better, lots of improvements from last year. ”
Travis talked about the competition in the quarterback room and what McKenzie Milton brings to the room. He also talked about the new standard they have and what it means to have the same staff for the second year here. He mentioned that everyone, especially the backs, feel more comfortable in everything they do. Travis said he felt a real “family” atmosphere for the first time in his college career. He said: ‘This team. We love each other. We trust each other. It’s a different feeling. It’s a wonderful feeling. ”
Florida State football took the field this afternoon for their first practice in the spring. It will be a big spring for the ‘Noles, who scored just three practices last March. Mike Norvell spoke to the media last week about what Seminoles looked like in the weight room and how it grew through the FSU’s ‘Tour of Duty’. Norvell said: ‘I think the leadership we saw during our program was really good. The approach to the job was the biggest improvement I saw. ”
Strength and conditioning coach Josh Storms reflected Norvell’s sentiment on the Seminoles’ daily approach, saying it was the biggest difference since last spring. ‘The biggest difference is how these guys approach work every day. They are going to expect to be challenged, but they have the confidence that the coaches will not put something in front of them that they cannot do. pass. ”
Norvell will speak to the media again today at around 18:15. Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham will follow as head coach before a few select players end the day.
As always, we will provide updates in the comments section and on Twitter.