April 6th, I wrote about a trait Thomas Castellanos has that could be a difference-maker for the Noles in 2025. That trait was leadership.
Ironically, a month and a half later, Mike Norvell echoed all of the things I wrote about in that piece.
Check the two minute mark:
It's an intangible that's hard to measure, but you know it when you see it. Castellanos knew Duce Robinson was a player FSU needed from the transfer portal and shadowed him on his official visit before Robinson committed to the Noles. He had Robinson working out during his official visit. There was footage of a group of players following Castellanos around at an FSU basketball game.
Castellanos initiated player-led workouts and several teammates have talked about him checking on them to make sure they were good.
However, the most important aspect was the willingness to hold teammates accountable.
Most football teams are led by their quarterback. DJ Uiagalelei is a great guy, but he never garnered total respect from his teammates last year. His play didn't demand it and his laidback personality didn't help.
Uiagalelei wanted to fit in. The difference with Castellanos is he wants to win. The emotion and passion he plays with are infectious and will draw guys to him as he makes plays.
We saw that progression with Jordan Travis. In 2021, teammates began to play harder for Jordan Travis once he showed the ability to make plays.
Castellanos will have his shortcomings, I've documented some flaws of his in the passing game. However, I think he'll be good enough to win more games than FSU fans expect, as long as he can stay healthy.
I think it's the same thing Mike Norvell sees in him, and why he seems confident in having him at quarterback with Gus Malzhan running the show in 2025.