FSU football: 2022 first day in pads was best in Mike Norvell tenure

FSU football had their first day of spring practice in full pads Wednesday. Mike Norvell said it was the best first day in pads since he’s been at FSU.

It should be the best considering the conditions the first two years with the pandemic. However, this spring seems to be the first year where the team finally has enough talent and depth to compete at a high level.

All of the newcomers are progressing well, and Mike Norvell mentioned players by name.

The entire interview is below and Norvell looks upbeat and confident in what he’s seeing at practice.

Trey Benson, Tatum Bethune, Bishop Thomas, Daniel Lyons, and Jared Verse were mentioned, but there was one name that got me excited because FSU football fans have been waiting for him to emerge.

That name was defensive back Demorie Tate, the highest-rated recruit in the 2020 class. It would be huge for the defensive secondary if Tate could assert himself into the mix this year. Norvell seems impressed with the defensive front and the running back group. One thing that stood out towards the end of the interview was how Mike Norvell addressed some players who have started many games in the past.

That’s a direct message to one or a couple of players. Mike Norvell said something similar last year, and we saw that sentiment come to fruition if he had someone good enough to their spot. Well, there’s more depth this year across the board, so players that don’t show up every day? I suspect they will hit the transfer portal by summer camp or get comfortable riding the bench.

I like that Mike Norvell is direct, and it’s clear these young players are hungry trying to take someone’s spot. If upperclassmen aren’t willing to work, then it’s best for them to leave because that doesn’t fit into the culture in Tallahassee nowadays.