Norvell says Jordan Travis, Jared Verse, Johnny Wilson and top players keep improving
Spring football practices are a key component in getting newer players − transfers and freshmen − acclimated to a new environment, scheme and playbook.
It also brings out the competition, as returners and newcomers alike are making impressions on coaches.
For Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell, the key to the competition for his team has been his best players, who have little to prove, showing continued improvement.
"Some of our better players are continuing to get better," Norvell said following the 10th practice of the spring Tuesday. "I've seen it for the last nine practices and it's just that constant sense of urgency for improvement.
"I thought that it showed up today and it was competitive. Our offense started great in practice today, had some great periods early part of practice, the middle parts. The defense responded well late. Had some good back-and-forth."
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Norvell was pressed on which players specifically were among the top players who have continued to show improvement.
"Start off with Jordan Travis, Jared Verse, those guys," Norvell said. "Lawrance Toafili has been remarkable through all of this. I think Johnny (Wilson), it's impressive to see what he's doing.
"I could go through a long list of guys. You look at just the mindset of what they are bringing. Jarrian Jones, I think I mentioned him in the scrimmage. Renardo Green. I like what I am seeing in the defensive backfield.
"There's a lot of guys who have played a lot of football and you feel their desire to get better."
Travis, Verse and Wilson all had decisions to return to FSU following strong 2022 seasons. Travis is now likely an early favorite to be a contender for the Heisman Trophy, while Wilson and Verse will prove to be top players at their positions, respectively.
The Seminoles return to the practice field Thursday for practice 11 before getting the weekend off. They practice Tuesday and Thursday next week ahead of the Garnet & Gold Spring Showcase at 4 p.m. on April 15.
Here are takeaways, observations and what was said following the 10th spring practice for the Seminoles.
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Patrick Surtain and creating turnovers
A point of emphasis for Florida State this spring has been creating turnovers. Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller brought it up following the second spring scrimmage and his Twitter hashtag, #MissonTakeaway,, is something he has emphasized on social media.
The Seminoles forced 16 turnovers (eight fumbles and eight interceptions), which tied for 86th in college football in 13 games.
Patrick Surtain Sr. was hired as the defensive backs coach and Norvell credited him for making a difference already.
Jones and linebacker DeMarco Ward each had interceptions during team drills, while cornerback Azareye'h Thomas picked one off during the 7-on-7 drill.
"Coach Surtain has been working a lot with our guys," Norvell said. "It has been a big point of emphasis in trying to create takeaways. It's one thing to emphasize it, but I think the buy-in from those guys in the defensive backfield."
Surtain Sr. played for the Dolphins from 1998-2004 before finishing his career with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2005-08.
He recorded 538 tackles, 37 interceptions, 7.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and seven forced fumbles throughout his career. He also added two defensive touchdowns.
"I like some of the things he has incorporated into some of the ball drills," Norvell said. "It's also building confidence in all things. Football is such a strange game because you can work techniques and fundamentals, but putting those guys in those situations and having a different perspective on whatever works can build confidence.
"It's one thing for a guy to think, 'don't drop this,' it's another thing to say 'go make this. I think he's doing a nice job. I like what I am seeing."
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How Norvell evaluates during the scrimmage, after
As the head football coach, Norvell doesn't have the luxury of keeping an eye on just one position group or just on the offense or defense during a scrimmage.
The fourth-year FSU coach said he has two evaluations for a scrimmage, what he can see at the moment and then what he sees when he goes back and watches the film.
"It's hard to see all 22, especially in my position, I am trying to look at both sides of the ball," Norvell said with a laugh. "I'll have a pretty good sense of it being on the field.
"But then coming off, (I can see) maybe the consistency of the work. Are guys having flash plays or were they consistent in what they were doing?"
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Other practice observations
Norvell and the staff decided to go away from 1-on-1 drills and focused on a couple of extra periods of team drills.
"As we get to this point of the spring, I think there is a good amount of fundamental work we need the application of," Norvell said. "We need to see guys continue to perform."
A few other notes from practice:
Travis was on target throwing the ball, fitting it into small windows. He also ran the ball well.
The other QBs struggled with consistency and seemed to be off target a lot. Inconsistent day from the group.
Running back CJ Campbell had a couple of TD runs and added a TD catch during red-zone drills.
Another running back, Rodney Hill, had a strong day. He scored in the red zone drill, finding a small hole to fit into the end zone. He also later added an explosive run, showing off his elusiveness to score from 30-plus yards out.
Tight end Jaheim Bell showed his versatility. He was used in the downfield passing game, on screens and even had a couple of runs.
Remaining spring practice schedule
Thursday, April 6 – Spring Practice #11
Tuesday, April 11 – Spring Practice #12
Thursday, April 13 – Spring Practice #13
Saturday, April 15 – Garnet & Gold Spring Showcase (4 p.m.)
Monday, April 17 – Spring Practice #15
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: Jordan Travis, Jared Verse improving in spring practices
