The wide receiver is one of the toughest positions for high school players to transition to in college. It's why it's extremely rare for even blue-chip recruits to become impact players.
Those that do are usually five-star players who enroll early or guys who fall into the perfect offense that maximizes their skill set.
FSU receiver Elijah Moore came to FSU with a lot of hype as a four-star signee in the 2024 recruiting class. However, I had my doubts he'd contribute as a true freshman because he wasn't an early enrollee.
FSU fans got frustrated that he wasn't getting to play more when a lot of the young guys were getting their shot once the season became a wash. However, I kept telling folks the coaching staff wouldn't put him out there until they felt he could contribute something.
Norvell wouldn't single out Moore last year, but it was easy to tell he was trying to push some of those young players to take the next step. To do the little things and put in the work to maximize their opportunity. Moore was one of those players.
Moore spoke with the media following Sunday's practice, and the growth in maturity was something to behold:
"Consistency in knowing what I'm doing out there...making plays...knowing where to be and what I'm supposed to do."
That's what Moore said was the major difference in the last three days at practice compared to last year as a freshman. He also attributes a lot of his success to new FSU receivers coach, Tim Harris Jr.
Mike Norvell mentioned he rides Elijah Moore hard because he beleives in what he can become, and I think Moore has come to respect that aspect. The old saying if the coaches never say anything to you is when you need to worry holds true.
I'm not saying to expect Elijah Moore to be an All-American this season, but it speaks well to the work Mike Norvell and the staff have put in to get guys to buy-in after a 2-10 season. The future is extremely bright for this young man if he continues to put the work in.