FSU football: 4 major takeaways from first week 2024 spring camp

Speed

One of the major differences between this year's team and last year's team has been overall team speed. It's one thing to see the players running around in shirts and shorts in the Tour of Duty workouts, but there's a difference once the players start donning the pads. Mike Norvell is on record this is one of, if not the fastest team he's had. There's elite speed at the wide receiver position and special teams. There's likely more overall speed at several other positions on the team. In fact, when Mike Norvell has gotten smoked by multiple players when he does the customary sprint down the field after they break the huddle at practice.

How much of a difference can this make this season? Offensively, FSU didn't have much game-breaking speed aside from Trey Benson. They didn't have it at punt return either, but Deuce Spann had outstanding speed as a kickoff returner, as we saw in the Duke game. The amount of stress FSU can put on defenses should open things up in several ways. If they have the vertical threat, the underneath areas with guys in the slot should have a field day. They can get guys out on the edge in space and do damage, and special teams should be more potent.