In a normal world, Florida State coach Mike Norvell would be preparing to tour the state (including Tampa) in a few weeks on his spring speaking tour. The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out those appearances.
Instead, Norvell is doing regular webinars with boosters. Here are a few quick hits from Thursday’s session:
— Norvell, like most coaches, has themes he wants to get across to his team during their limited interactions. This week’s mantra: “The path has changed, but the destination has not.” It’s a reminder for players to keep doing what they can to stay mentally and physically sharp.
— One of the questions Norvell received was on the culture of the program he inherited. Norvell’s response: “I don’t know if there’s a football culture issue. I think there might have been a disconnect in the overall expectations and the standard.” Norvell continues to stress accountability and the idea that excellence in football stems from excellence in everything else, too.
— Norvell understandably didn’t mention many specific players, but he did single out two on the offensive line. He said he was excited from what little he got to see from three-star early enrollee Zane Herring during FSU’s three spring practices, and he said Chaz Neal has “really kind of stepped up” at tackle. The former three-star recruit from Wesley Chapel High played mostly on special teams last year as a redshirt freshman.
— Norvell has continued his tradition of finding a new book to read after signing day. Last year at Memphis, it was Gridiron Genius. This year, it was The Bowden Way. “I really enjoyed getting a chance to get a little bit of insight of what it was like during the years of Coach (Bobby) Bowden and the things that were important and near and dear to his heart,” Norvell said. “It’s not hard to see how he was able to not only achieve success but sustain success.”
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