Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell was recently interviewed by 247Sports' Brandon Marcello and asked about the depth of key position groups a few weeks into spring practice.
Norvell had a lot to say about the talented group of wide receivers, especially sophomore five-star recruit Hykeem Williams and coveted transfers Malik Benson (Alabama) and Jaylen Brown (LSU).
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“I think the guys you were talking about. I mean, I'm really excited — you saw Hykeem Williams last year as a true freshman. Destin Hill, you saw the limits of what he could do. I think he's a very high-flying player, but you can really see him grow and the first week and a half of practice was great,” Norvell said. “Then you have the older players, last year when Keon was Jaqui Douglas; [Coleman] and johnny [Wilson] Both missed, but he was up with six in Pittsburgh. [receptions] If over 100 [yards]. And in the bowl game, he had to play running back just because they weren't available. I mean, he can really do it all, and you can see the players who have come out and fulfilled their roles now getting a chance to take another step forward. ”
FSU's head coach was scheduled to later talk about Jaylen Brown's talent and physical progress since arriving in Tallahassee.
“I'm really excited about Jaylen and he definitely has the ability to hit home runs. He's quick on his feet and can get in and out of breaks.” “You can see his confidence building through what he's been doing in the weight room through the first eight weeks and he's done a really great job,” Norvell said. “I think even after the first few practices, third and fourth practices, we saw great progress in him. So I’m definitely excited to see what he brings and as I said earlier, Like, there's a lot of competition. But when you have guys who are dynamic playmakers and can run, they always have a chance, so we're really looking forward to Jalen and his continued development. ”
Additionally, Norvell gave his thoughts on keeping defensive end Patrick Payton and adding transfers Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia), Sione Lolohea (Oregon State) and Tomiwa Durojaie (West Virginia). .
“It's huge,” Norvell said, starting with Payton's return to Florida State.
“If you look at Pat's return, even a guy like Byron Turner, who played a lot of great snaps for us last year, he's got another year of work. But we brought in Marvin, we brought in Sione. They brought – I mean them – Sione was a second-team All-PAC 12 defensive end who brought physicality, toughness and mindset. [Tomiwa] It's versatile enough to be used outdoors or even go a little inside. I really like that room. ”
“Obviously, we've got some big names coming in. I think Pat Payton has a chance to be a big name in college football at the end position next year.” It has grown and developed with players like Jaden Jones coming back. I'm really excited about the defensive end room and what it can really do to help the inside guys. I think they are really special players as well,” Norvell concluded.
The FSU head coach is in his fifth year with the program. He is 31-17 since coming to Tallahassee and 23-4 over the past two seasons.
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