I know some people read the title and thought: "What about Florida State football is a guarantee anymore?" That is a fair assessment, given that the Seminoles went 2-10 in 2024.
I get it. The media members are frustrated with the lack of access to the program (which I am 100% in agreeance with the decision that the university made) and the trajectory is heading in a negative direction by the outside eye. The good news is that Florida State started spring practices on Wednesday afternoon.
I saw where 247Sports personality Josh Pate indicated in one of his live YouTube videos that he didn't know what Florida State football would be in 2025. They could either be really good, or it could be a trainwreck. That is the reality of what head football coach Mike Norvell is facing next season.
While I am a passionate fan who lives and breathes Florida State football, I have to take over the rose-colored glasses approach and understand where the general college football public's mindset is. Nonetheless, I see the identities of the squad and what they are going for.
With that being said, the coaching staff seems to be optimistic about what they have coming into next year. The Seminoles acquired many pieces on its roster via the transfer portal and recruiting ranks.
One position group that I was a little surprised about was defensive back. The coaching staff did not grab any in the transfer portal, which tells me that they were confident in the pieces they had.
This will be adventurous since the Seminoles have to replace Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, and Kevin Knowles. Florida State will need veteran leaders like Shyheim Brown to provide leadership.
However, head football coach Mike Norvell mentioned after spring practice that redshirt sophomore defensive back Edwin Joseph Jr. had a great winter program going into the spring.
Joseph Jr. was a former four-star prospect that the coaching staff was high on. He showed his potential this past season as he recorded 13 tackles (3.5 for loss), 1.5 sacks, one interception, and two pass deflections.
It would be a huge confidence booster for the position room if the former Chaminade-Madonna standout emerged as a viable defender.