Florida State fall camp notebook: August 26

Update, 11:45 AM

Mike Norvell spoke to the media today after another physical practice this morning, before tomorrow’s off day. Norvell was pleased with the offense for a second straight day and feels like they’re starting to have a better understanding of their strengths. He said, “Continuing to like to offense’s response. Starting to understand better the things we do well.”

Norvell mentioned one major position change today, with cornerback Isaiah Bolden making the move to wide receiver. The head coach said his skill set perfectly fits the position and he’s already showing that early on. Norvell said, “That’s something that I’m really excited about. Had a really big play today. I think he has a chance to help impact this team.”

On what makes him a good option on the offense, he said, “Tall, fast, good with the ball in his hands. He’s a really good athlete.”

FSU’s coaches will take tomorrow’s off day to get a better grasp of their depth chart and begin game planning for Georgia Tech. Florida State’s biggest position battle will likely come on the offensive line. On the OL battle, Norvell said, “It’s a daily work in progress. I feel good about the guys we’re able to coach. I’ve seen some great strides (in the last couple day).”

Update, 11:50 AM

We heard from Deonte Sheffield today on receiving his scholarship from Coach Norvell on Monday. On earning that scholarship, Sheffield said, “All the trials and setbacks and everything I had, It was part of the process. Even though I had to go through all that, it made me the dog I am today. I have been through so much, and I have so much confidence from the work ethic I have, that I feel like it was supposed to happen.”

Despite just receiving a scholarship, Sheffield is the most experienced back at Florida State in FSU’s running back room. On being the leader among the group, he said, “I’m just trying to lead the room every way I can, because we have a lot of young people.”

Grid View

• Sidney Williams Florida State Sports Information
• Tate Rodemaker Florida State Sports Information
• Jadarius Green-McKnight Florida State Sports Information
• Keyshawn Helton, Jaiden Lars-Woodbey Florida State Sports Information
• James Blackman Florida State Sports Information
• Jaiden Lars-Woodbey Florida State Sports Information
• Asante Samuel Jr. Florida State Sports Information
• Wyatt Rector Florida State Sports Information
• Isaiah Bolden
• Jashuan Corbin Florida State Sports Information
• Deonte Sheffield Florida State Sports Information
• Quashon Fuller Florida State Sports Information

Coming out of high school, Sheffield had some scholarship offers, but couldn’t pass on the opportunity to play at FSU. “I had some offers, but it was nothing like FSU. FSU is my dream school.”

Under a new head coach and with a new group of backs, Sheffield is looking forward to the 2020 season. “I really love coach Norvell’s offense. He showcases the talents his players have.”

Update, 11:55 AM

Josh Griffis spoke to the FSU media for the first time today. Griffis has been a newcomer mentioned by Florida State coaches multiple times this fall. He will likely have a chance to see the field this season and make an impact off the edge. Griffis was an early enrollee and used that time to learn technique and get used to the flow of practices. “It’s more technique once you get into college.”

Adam Fuller has emphasized multiple times this fall that he wants his defensive line to attack. Coming off the edge and having that opportunity really excites Griffis, “That really excites me a lot. This scheme can really confuse the offense and bring a lot of pressure.”

Griffis also mentioned that he is up 24 pounds since he came to Tallahassee. He said that weight gained makes it harder for guys to move him off the ball and he feels “way stronger since I’ve gained weight.”

Update, 12:15 PM

Tight end Wyatt Rector also spoke today on earning his scholarship, saying that he broke down when he got the news.

“There were moments where I thought ‘this was it’ for football,” he said. “It was very humbling.”

He spoke of the moment he got to finally tell his parents, saying he couldn’t at first because he left his phone in a hurry to meet with tight ends coach Chris Thomsen.

“I called my dad and I started breaking down again because it just means so much for me and my family.”

“It was a weight lifted off my shoulders and my parents shoulders,” adding of his teammates that “they were totally stoked, tons of hugs in the locker room. I got tons of messages from everyone on the team. I am truly blessed to be a part of this team.”

After a disappointing scrimmage (according to coaches) on the offensive side of the ball, head coach Mike Norvell said Florida State Seminoles football had one of its best practices from its offense.

“Good practice today,” he said during media availability. “Physical day, full workload. Thought it was the best day the offense had collectively.”

Norvell took the time to address the recent scholarships given to former walk-ons Wyatt Rector (tight end) and Deonte Sheffield (running back), saying that he believes both have the potential to impact the team this season.

“Got to visit with both those guys [Monday] and met with them individually. I believe both of them have put themselves in position to help this team this year.”

One other storyline was the benefit of Norvell and Dugans’ history as receivers — a topic explored by new Tomahawk Nation contributor Austin Cox.

Norvell also confirmed that offensive lineman Zane Herring will miss the season after having shoulder surgery, while Dugans alluded to freshman receiver Bryan Robinson being hurt, though didn’t go into further detail.

We expect to hear from Norvell and other members of the team starting around 10:50 a.m. We’ll be constantly updating the comments once it starts — you can follow along in the there, as well as on our Twitter and Instagram.

If you’ve got any questions on the team so far, go head and drop them below, and we’ll do our best to get to them.