FSU baseball: Why Link Jarrett’s path at FSU may mirror Mike Norvell’s
By Kelvin Hunt
FSU baseball broke another long losing streak Sunday, defeating Virginia Tech 4-3 to avoid another series sweep.
I know hiring Link Jarrett away from Notre Dame lifted expectations for this program, and many folks wonder why FSU has only won 14 games.
I have seen some FSU fans compare this year to what the former coach might have done. I’m not going to trash the former coach, but some of your best players on the team likely would not be here if you are of the belief he would be a better option.
The similarities between the beginning of Mike Norvell’s tenure and Link Jarrett’s are incredibly similar. Norvell became head coach days before the first Early Signing Period and inherited a team with no proven QB, and question marks all over the roster.
Link Jarrett didn’t arrive in Tallahassee until almost July after taking Notre Dame to the College World Series and inherited a pitching staff with little experience and depth.
Mike Norvell had to endure the pandemic just a couple of months into his first season, which prevented normal spring, summer, and fall camps.
That’s when a coach can evaluate and begin laying his foundation. Jarrett’s late arrival prevented a full evaluation of the roster, and options in the transfer portal was relatively scarce. Here’s what I said in the preseason:
"The biggest Link Jarrett concern seems to be the pitching, which has been a program strength in recent years. FSU lost three pitchers that were weekend starters at one point or another from last year’s team. They have some talented arms, but I’m not sure they have the depth Link Jarret would like, but it’s figuring out where those arms perform best for the team."
Not having quality pitching is akin to not having a quarterback in football, and if you had told me FSU would lose its best pitcher in Wyatt Crowell after a handful of games? I probably would’ve projected FSU to struggle in Jarrett’s first year.