Florida State fall camp notebook: August 12

Update, 12:15 PM

Mike Norvell spoke to the media for the first time in two days this morning. Norvell mentioned that the ‘Noles had a large focus on red-zone situations today, along with continuing installs on both sides of the ball. Spacing is most important in the red zone, as Norvell said, “Spacing is critical. Helping them get more understanding how we need to space offensively and how we need to restrict that spacing on defense.”

Norvell also highlighted his defensive interior and many incoming freshmen. The head coach believes there will be many early contributors from his first recruiting classes. Names he mentioned were Stephen Dix Jr., Kentron Poitier, Thomas Shrader, Robert Scott, and DJ Lundy.

When talking about guys that have impressed early in pads, Norvell raved about his defensive tackle group. He said, “Saw some good things from Robert Cooper up front. Malcolm Ray is really starting to come along.” He also mentioned Fabien Lovett and Quashon Fuller.

Update, 12:20 PM

We heard from offensive line transfer Devontay Love-Taylor for the first time today. Love-Taylor mentioned that he is mainly working at right tackle right now. When asked about Norvell’s offensive system, he replied, “Super excited to play In Norvell’s offense, he’s a genius. Knows the answer to everything.”

He also mentioned that his new OL coach, Alex Atkins, has improved his football IQ more than anything. On Atkins, he said, “He’s increasing my football IQ so much. He’s great to work with, he has a new challenge for us every day.”

Update, 12:30 PM

Another transfer spoke to the media for the first time today, as we spoke to defensive back Jarrian Jones. Jones mentioned early that he thinks of FSU as ‘DBU’ and he chose Florida State because of his relationships with the staff. He said, “The family feel. I’ve known Norvell for a long while as well as Woodson. I have a great relationship with those guys.”

Right now, Jones said he is currently working at cornerback, but is comfortable working there or at safety. When asked about Coach Woodson, he said, “It’s fun working with coach Woodson. He brings the best out of everybody. He teaches me a lot about my technique.”

Update, 1:00 PM

Well, it’s the day of the transfers, as Jordan Wilson and Fabien Lovett also met with the media for the first time this afternoon. Wilson mentioned that the effort Memphis showed in a game against UCLA, his former team, made him want to play for Norvell, no matter where he was in his last college season. He said, “The relentless effort that the defense was playing with. Just seeing the way his offense is in attack mode the whole time. His players play hard because they trust his process.”

Wilson also noted that the offense is going to run through the tight ends. He’s ready to show his abilities as a receiver, not just a blocker. He said, “We’re going to be a main point of attack. We’re going to be expected to make plays for these quarterbacks.”

Lovett said the transferring process was tough, but coming in with Mississippi State teammate Jones made it “a lot easier.” Odell Haggins has impressed him early on in fall practice and lived up to his expectations. On working with Haggins, Lovett said, “It’s been amazing. He’s a great coach. He lives up to what everyone says. He stays on the little things.”

Adam Fuller’s defensive scheme is focused around the defensive line and their ability to make plays, not just eat up blocks. Lovett is ready to put that in action, as he said, “His scheme is amazing. It helps us a lot. We get to the ball, we stunt, we’re making plays. As a d-line group this year, we’re going to be the best in the nation.”

After replacing media availability with a roundtable featuring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the viability of playing a 2020 college football season, Florida State Seminoles football head coach Mike Norvell and players are set to met with the media today following practice.

FSU had an off day on Monday after putting on pads for the first time Sunday, and since then, the college football world has flipped upside down, with the Big 10 and Pac-12 moving to cancel their fall football seasons and the ACC, SEC and Big 12 looking to continue playing.

“These guys want to play. They want to be a part of this team,” Norvell said yesterday. “They want to grow together. They know that the protocols that are in place are safe, they know that this is a place that they can come to and continue to develop in all aspects. And I worry if that’s taken away from them, not only what is that going to do to them mentally and having to experience more challenges, more setbacks, more things that are taken away from them.”

Follow along in the comments throughout the day, as well as on our Twitter and Instagram. We expect to hear from Norvell and the players starting at 11:30 a.m.