The Future is Now?
Mike Norvell is in a precarious position. Many thought he should have been out as Head Coach this season, but next year is probably the true litmus test for his job. Redshirt Freshman Kevin Sperry waits in the wings for his opportunity. In limited action, he showed poise beyond his years and nearly pulled off a stunner in Palo Alto. Can Norvell afford to place his eggs in that basket? Logic would say no, but he may have to. That leaves me with a hard question to answer.
The Conundrum
The transfer portal is very volatile. For every Jared Verse, there is a Malik Benson. While brining in another quarter can pay dividends (see Miami and Indiana), what message does it send to High School quarterbacks. High school recruiting is the foundation of a football team. The portal is for supplementing; it is not intended to be the first brick. Have we seen the quarterback pipeline destroyed due to one year rentals? If next season mimics this year the next coach may have to rebuild from scratch, while other teams in the region keep trucking along. With NIL being at the forefront of the sport, is the message to high school recruits, “come to FSU, unless you play quarterback.” It is a very dangerous game to play.
Sperry seems to fit what Gus Malzahn likes to do on offense, and he has already shown what he is capable of under fire in enemy territory. Opponents do not have many data points or tape on him. The team is not devoid of talent, or at least speed. What is missing is identity and direction. It is time for Mike Norvell to evaluate and hold on to players such as Lawayne McCoy and Ousmane Kromah to make life easier on whoever is under center. A lineman or two would not hurt either, but at this point, build the team from the quarterback in. It is, after all, most likely, his final chance.
The Final Spear
Norvell must choose wisely, but the University is on the clock as well, including Athletic Director Michael Alford. Alford’s clock is ticking as well, and this decision has the potential to bring the castle crumbling down. Florida State’s home environment is still electric for now, but fans are tired of leaving Doak Campbell without a voice, and more importantly, no victory. Brock Glenn is still around and has been a good soldier, but it is Sperry’s time to sink or swim. The staff recruited him for a reason; it is time for them to live or die on their sword.
For more College Football Analysis Michael can be found on the Sports Reports as Ordered Podcast on YouTube, SRAOpod on X, TikTok, and all DSPs.