Florida State practice notebook: September 4

Update, 11:52 AM

Mike Norvell spoke to the media today just eight days away from the Georgia Tech opener. Norvell mentioned that today was another good day of practice and a “step in the right direction.” FSU also had an extra period of conditioning at the end of practice today before their mock game tomorrow. Norvell said, “I’ve enjoyed the mindset of the guys the last couple days. Good progress the last few days.”

Tomorrow’s mock game will give FSU a chance to work out all the kinks and go through just about any situation possible. Norvell even mentioned practicing going through a lightning day for one example. In total, the ‘Noles will go through about 40-50 different situations tomorrow. “Every possible game type situation that could show up, we’re going to hit.”

Norvell mentioned today that wide receiver DJ Matthews is yet to return to the team. He also said that he has not talked to him “in a little while.”

On the flip side, quarter back Jordan Travis is back with the team. Norvell said that he’s been practicing with the team for the last week after missing a chunk of time. On the backup QB competition, he said, “We’ve had Jordan back out this last week. Those guys have been splitting reps. Really pleased what I’ve seen from Tate (Rodemaker). Jordan has looked really good coming back to action this week.”

When asked if he’s a traditionalist or likes to mix it up with uniforms, Norvell said he was “a little bit of both” as he wants to show off FSU’s tradition, but also have a bit of an edge. On the uniforms, Norvell said, “We have one of the great uniform combinations and traditions in all of college football. As we move forward, you could see some different combinations. Excited about the white numbers being back.”

Update, 11:55 AM

Kicker Parker Grothaus was the lone other speaker we heard from today. Grothaus talked about the kicking competition between he and Ryan Fitzgerald and the pressure situations they go through during practice. On the kicker battle, he said, “Both of us have had great fall camps. We’re both going to be ready to play this year regardless of the circumstances.”

Norvell has always had a big emphasis on special teams since he came to FSU. On the routines they go through during practice, Grothaus said, “It’s intense. Coach Norvell and coach JP bring a lot of intensity to practice. They try to make it realistic and as intense as a game as possible.”

Despite being separate from the rest of team during most of practice, the kickers still stay involved and in motion most of practice. “They like to keep us involved, and keep that pressure on us at the end of practice. It makes it more game-like. It really keeps us prepared and ready.”

Florida State Seminoles football is back out on the practice field today, just eight days out from kickoff against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

When we last heard from the team on Wednesday, head coach Mike Norvell was discussing the team’s pregame week plans, including running through a mock game scenario this Saturday. Norvell’s indicated that they’ll be working on everything from how they’re walking out of the tunnel, to sideline management, to what the team will be wearing.

“The biggest thing they’ve taught us is preparing in every aspect,” defensive back Jaiden Lars-Woodbey, who also spoke with the media Wednesday, said. “All of those things contribute to your performance on the field.”

While we know that James Blackman will be starting at quarterback, we haven’t gotten too much clarity on who is starting, well, anywhere else — though we’ve gotten a good sense of who should be seeing the field in 2020. As kickoff approaches, we should get a more clear picture.

Follow along in the comments throughout the day, as well as on our Twitter and Instagram. We expect to hear from Norvell and kickers Parker Grothaus and Ryan Fitzgerald starting around 11:15 a.m. — in the meantime, feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments, and we’ll do our best to answer them.