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FSU football: 3 questions about prospective coaching hire Mike Norvell

By Kelvin Hunt

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Mike Norvell of the Memphis Tigers looks on during a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Mike Norvell of the Memphis Tigers looks on during a game against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Recruiting

Here’s the biggest question for me regarding Mike Norvell. I know the FSU logo recruits on its own, but you still need a guy that can recruit and close the deal when going up against all the elite programs looks to raid the state of Florida for its talent.

More than ever we’re seeing top talent leave the state and locking up that elite talent is something the new coach is going to have to do if FSU is ever going to be elite again.

His recruiting classes at Memphis have been nothing to write home about when it comes to rankings. Here’s the Memphis Composite rankings during his tenure:

  • 2016-No. 61
  • 2017-No. 56
  • 2018-No. 81
  • 2019-No. 67
  • 2020-No. 59

One thing to note is Novell has only signed three players from the state of Florida during his tenure. That’s sort of concerning, but that’s where the FSU logo can come into play along with his resume as a winner at Memphis.

One I do like is Norvell seems to understand how to build a recruiting class based on need which is something Willie Taggart struggled to do. Taggart seemed to be enthralled with recruiting skill positions like wide receiver and cornerback and neglecting the trenches.

Those that understand football know the trenches is where games are won and lost.

Of course needs change, but here’s how his recruiting  classes at Memphis have been constructed by position:

  • 2016-QB(1), RB(2), WR(5), OL(2), DL(4), LB(2), DB(7), ST(1)
  • 2017-QB(2), RB(1), WR(4), OL(4), DL(4), LB(2), DB(9), ST(3)
  • 2018-QB(2), RB(2), WR(5), OL(7), DL(4), LB(3), DB(1), ST(3)
  • 2019-QB (2), RB(1), WR(4), OL(4), DL(7), LB(1), ST(1)
  • 2020-QB(1), RB(2), WR (4), OL (3), LB (2), DB (2)

What do you notice about the way Norvell sets up his roster that was different from Willie Taggart? He was able to take at least one QB every cycle and stacked up in the trenches. There’s always plenty of depth on the offensive and defensive lines.

The skills position groups are addressed every year as well with proper depth along with him taking a number of JUCO transfers.

All of this experience that will come in handy with trying to flip the FSU football roster if he’s hired.

What’s really impressive is it speaks to his staff’s ability to develop players as they haven’t had the best recruiting classes in their conference and have competed for the conference championship three of his four years there.

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