Florida State football did not finish the way that it wanted to during the 2024 season where it had a 2-10 record. That is not the standard of this proud football program. Head football coach Mike Norvell knew that aspect.
Norvell understood that major changes needed to be made offensively after the Seminoles had one of the worst college football units. With that said, it is never easy, but Norvell handed the offensive play-calling keys over to former UCF head football coach Gus Malzahn who is now the offensive coordinator at Florida State.
The coaching staff then added notable pieces via the transfer portal, such as Boston College transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos and USC transfer wide receiver Duce Robinson.
Castellanos met with the media after the first padded practice of the spring on Saturday, and the signal-caller discussed his relationship with big-bodied playmaker Duce Robinson:
"Our bond is continuing to grow where we continue to hang out with each other and just have a feel for each other. Just like Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. You want to be close with one of your guys where you got that connection on and off the field. He's a reliable target. Big-bodied type that I can trust and throw the ball up to when there is double-coverage or single-coverage. I can rely on him to not let it be an interception or to catch the ball."QB Tommy Castellanos on WR Duce Robinson
I know that some fans will have the quotation out of context. Castellanos understands that the connection between Burrow and Chase is special. The 2019 LSU Tigers' offense is debatably one of the best offenses of all time.
You have to remember that Castellanos only completed 99 of his 161 passes for 1,366 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions with Boston College in 2024. While that is a solid campaign, it isn't something that the general college football media will rave about.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Duce Robinson had 23 receptions for 396 yards and five touchdowns. While it was better than either of the pass-catching transfers that were brought in last offseason, there is still some room to grow for him.
To me, I am glad that the two are building a connection now in the spring. It is better to get to know each other at this time than to have to piece everything together right before fall practice starts.