FSU football: Takeaways from Mike Norvell and players at ACC Kickoff

FSU football head coach Mike Norvell and three players attended the ACC Kickoff event in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Wednesday.

Quarterback Jordan Travis, defensive end Jared Verse, and linebacker Kalen DeLoach were the players who earned the trip to represent the university.

I thought the three choices were fitting, a Heisman candidate, a potential NFL First-Round Draft selection, and a guy that’s been through all of the negatives over the past four years.

What were the major takeaways?

I don’t think we learned anything new particularly, but there is a different vibe in the air. The confidence with which Mike Norvell and the players speak about the upcoming season speaks to that. I think they know the work they’ve put in, and why I don’t think they have more pressure to win this year compared to last year.

Mike Norvell mentioned a few players by name: transfer defensive back Fentrell Cypress, transfer wide receiver Keon Coleman, freshman linebacker Blake Nichelson, wide receiver Winston Wright Jr., and freshman wide receiver Destyn Hill to name a few.

Mike Norvell said there is no shortage of playmakers on the team.

Darrell Jackson’s waiver hasn’t been approved yet, but Mike Norvell is keeping tabs on the situation.

Mike Norvell and the players have given a lot of love towards the offensive line, as it’ll likely be the deepest unit they’ve fielded in a decade.

It looks like Kevin Knowles will transition to the safety position after playing the nickel for much of the time he’s been in Tallahassee. He got hurt last year, and Greedy Vance seemed to take over that spot, and they have a need at safety, so the move makes sense.

Jordan Travis talked about his journey, experiences he used to grow, and how much the coaching staff helped develop him into the player he is today.

There’s a ton of content to watch, and seeing their expressions and tone provides an apt description of how confident they are going into the season.