VIDEO: Mike Norvell speaks after Monday’s practice

Florida State football got back on the practice field on Monday morning. Practice was not open to the media due to the storm passing through Tallahassee, but head coach Mike Norvell met with the media after practice over zoom. Norvell mentioned that today was the beginning of a crucial week for the Seminoles, “I thought we had a good work day. We’re excited about the competition we have and the depth that we’re starting to have. This is a critical week for the program.”

After Saturday’s practice, the ‘Noles had a day away from the field on Sunday to go back and look at the film from the first scrimmage of fall. Two young linebackers stood out to Norvell on his second look. He said, “Two guys that really stood out to me were Kalen Deloach and DJ Lundy at linebacker. You’re seeing those guys start to really separate themselves. Both guys are still young but are making the most of their opportunities.”

Deloach has played in seventeen games as a Seminole and started game one against Georgia Tech last season. He’s had the tools to be a playmaker for FSU, but hasn’t put it all together to this point. Norvell believes that his impact is going to grow from confidence. “Kalen is nicknamed ‘speedy.’ He can really fly around. He is playing with physicality and speed. He’s got a knack to find the ball in tight spaces. You can really see his confidence starting to emerge.”

On Saturday evening, Norvell was pleased with McKenzie Milton and Jordan Travis’ performances. After his watch of the film, he was still pleased with the two, “Both of those guys performed well in the scrimmage. I thought those top two guys played pretty well and were efficient,” said Norvell. He mentioned that there is ‘no date circled’ for a decision on the starting quarterback, but they’re more focused on ‘making the right decision.’

Akeem Dent has been moved all over the field since coming to FSU as a blue-chip recruit. Last season, he struggled at cornerback. Now, the coaching staff has moved Dent to safety, where he’s starting to flash his talent consistently. Norvell said, “Moved Akeem to free safety and it was absolutely the right move. He’s emerging as a top level guy. Akeem sees the field really well. I’m excited about what we’re seeing, he’s definitely going to be a guy that helps us.”

For Norvell’s full press conference, see below: