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Florida State football held its second and final scrimmage of fall camp on Sunday as they prepare for the 2026 season, and head coach Mike Norvell spoke afterwards to discuss what happened in Doak Campbell Stadium and the state of the Seminoles.
While he acknowledged that players on both sides of the ball made good plays, he admitted that the defense won the day.
"I would say the defense definitely won the day and how they played, what they did," he said. "I thought that there's still a lot of really good things that showed up in some areas where we get to grow and get better."
When asked about players who stood out, he praised the defensive line for their ability to disrupt the offense, singling out Mandrell and Darryll Desir as well as Jalen Anderson.
"I thought the defensive line was really impactful," he said. "The Desir twins multiple times, making an impact. Jalen Anderson had a great, great speed sack. A couple of guys coming off the edge that, you just felt that disruption."
Norvell also talked about how quarterback Ashton Daniels has looked in fall camp, why they had both scrimmages early in camp, how the running backs looked, and more. Watch the full press conference and read his comments down below.
On quarterback Ashton Daniels
Yeah, I love what I've seen from him throughout this first 10 days, you know, and, you know, just his ownership of the, of the offense, you know, understanding where to go, what to do, you know, how he's been able to perform. I think he's done a really good job.
Tonight, there were a few opportunities that, you know, he created, and then there was a few opportunities that, you know, we can continue to grow and be better at, you know, as we're mixing, you know, different personnel, different guys. I think he's got a great understanding, control, and has been highly efficient and explosive in the things we've asked him to do.
Why they had both scrimmages early in camp
Yeah, you know, I think some of it is just the work we're able to get in the summer. You know, even though you're not going against each other, you still get to the installations, you know, understanding some of the situational things. I think we're in a really good place, but you want to see guys and go out there and execute and perform. You know, there is a fundamental, you know, development of just throughout those first 10 practices, but it's also good to see guys that can take the things you're asking them to do and put it into action.
And, you know, it's very similar to what we did this last year. And, you know, I like, you know, we've been pretty, pretty clean just on the bumps and bruises that we've had. Don't think that anything up to this point is going to stretch into the season.
Obviously, a few guys that got, you know, a little banged up today, but we'll see exactly where that goes. But it does allow a little bit more time if any of those things might take a week or two weeks, you know, just to be able to get back ready to go as we get into game situations. But, you know, we'll have, you know, our guys, they've been practicing really hard too.
I mean, it's a, you know, our practices during the week, I mean, they're fast, they're physical, you know, it might be thud mode. I mean, guys are, I mean, they're playing physical on their feet. And so that's something that we want to see with the intensity.
Next week we'll have a compete day where we'll get some good live sessions, but, you know, or some periods, but, you know, ultimately, you know, that is a, that is the last scrimmage that we'll have. And, you know, everything will be more situational throughout the course of practice and, you know, try to put guys in different sequences through those opportunities.
On how the running backs performed
Yeah, I mean, you know, Sam (Singleton) had a, had a big run. Ous (Kromah)has been great throughout the course of camp. You know, we've had, Tre (Wisner) was out, out tonight, you know, expecting to get him back, you know, here, you know, shortly.
I mean, they ran hard. Those top two guys, you know, we had them in different color jerseys, just, you know, being smart with, with their legs and just, they're hard guys to tackle.
So, it's been good to see them get quality work, but also just, you know, the way that, you know, it's, it's iron sharpens iron. We’re still, we're still contacting, we're still, you know, you're thudding them up. And, you know, it's, it's good to see swarm tackles on them. But, you know, it's a, it's also, it's great to see just the confidence that the guys in that running back room have to take advantage when, when their number is called.
On how the drives ended that Ashton Daniels led
We moved the ball, a couple of touchdown drives, you know, I don't remember the exact number count of it, but you had a couple of touchdown drives that he led. A couple that, you know, obviously, we have different areas that we get to go back and continue to evaluate and continue to work to get better.
Overall, I thought the defense, if you had to say, you know, pick a winner of the day, I would say the defense, you know, definitely won the day and how they played, what they did. But, you know, I thought that there's still a lot of, a lot of really good things that showed up in some areas where we get to grow and get better.
On how special teams looked
Our kickoff coverage, you felt speed. I gotta go back and watch, you know, across the board, but I mean, there was some great speed down the field, you know, guys making, you know, quick full-speed decisions. You know, our kickoff return unit, I know there's one that, you know, we got out with our, with our first KOR group, you know, that looked really, really clean. And then a couple of things were, you know, just for it being the first day, just some, some of the technique and, you know, finer details that we'll have to get everybody continuing to grow from.
But I thought it was good. You know, we're trying to really stress our punt unit. We're showing a lot of different looks, trying to, you know, create, you know, as much pressure as we can.
And, you know, I really appreciate just the work our players have been putting into that. I think that can be a weapon for us and, you know, just different variations and how the unique things that we've been able to work and establish and continue to get better there.
On some players who stood out during the scrimmage
Yeah, you know, I mean, I thought the defensive line was really impactful. You know, the Desir twins multiple times, you know, making an impact, you know, Jalen Anderson had a great, great speed sack. A couple of guys, you know, coming off the edge that, you know, you just, you felt that disruption.
And, you know, obviously, when you're sitting out there, it's good for one side, another side, you got to continue to improve and work through that. But, you know, I was something I was, I was excited to see.
And you want to, you know, obviously, we can move, we can do a lot of things just pressure-wise. But, you know, sometimes when you get in those different third downs, can you just line up four guys and be able to create a pass rush? And that was something that I wanted to be able to get a look at. And I thought that those guys definitely answered the call. You know, it was a good day from that.
I think when you look at the speed from the front end to the back of our defense, I mean, that's going to be something that should be a great strength for us and a versatility of how guys can be aligned, distributed. I know we looked at a couple different packages there tonight, and so, all in all, it was good work.
On the linebacker position
I think some guys have definitely established themselves in the room as they're going to be top players. And I'm, I'm glad that we had the competition that we have, because I think it can be a really strong group. And, you know, obviously, with our defense, the ability to be able to play three linebackers to be able to have the different personnel groupings, I think we can tie to the strengths of guys within that room, as well as, you know, guys that are really versatile and all that they can do.
But I've been pleased with the personnel and the linebacker core. Mikai (Gbayor) basically is the guy that's been close, I think here probably this next week we'll be able to see more action out of him. I'm really excited about what he can bring, as well as, you know, the growth that we're seeing.
I think Omar Graham is playing really, really good ball. And you're seeing, you know, guys like Blake Nicholson, Caleb LaVallee that have been here. But then, you know, I think everybody's talked about Chris Jones, and he's been definitely been a force. And he's a guy that you really like to see. Izayia Williams is, you know, he's, he was out tonight. But, you know, expecting him to get back into action here in this next week or so. You know, a guy that I think is a young player, you know, is going to have an opportunity to impact.
So we've got a really good group in that linebacker room. And, you know, so it is going to be very competitive, but also just the other areas where those guys can be able to impact the football team as well as creating their roles in different personnel groups.
A couple of position battles he is keeping his eye on this week
You know, just really the emergence of, you know, the five up front on the offensive line, you know. I think we've got a group that's been pretty consistent in that, you know, obviously, you got to continue to push, you know, we'll get a chance to watch tonight and kind of see where that went. You know, a couple guys got opportunities, you know, there with different groups. And you're those guys that, you know, you talk about five, but you know, you want to be able to have eight or nine that can go into a game, you know, and obviously, play at a high level. So just who's really moving in that position.
You know, just watching the defensive back group. I mean, I think it's very competitive right now. I've really been pleased, you know, with Q Jones, you know, obviously we know Ja’Bril (Rawls) and the work that he's been able to do. He was a little bit limited early in the week, but was able to get some work tonight. But, you know, Q has been really good.
You see Nehemiah Chandler. Charles Lester had a really nice pick tonight. The guy that we're challenging, Ricky Knight, who's going to emerge as those guys that we can be counted on, you know, there at the corner position.
It was great competition and safety. It's a fun group to see battle, but just to see the continued emergence. We've got guys, I think Aston Barker's playing at an elite level, you know, just where he is right now and just his overall confidence in the defense, but excited to see where that's going to continue to go.
On how important this next week is for Jasen Lopez
Yeah, I mean, he's a guy that doesn't really act like a freshman, so I'm not going to put him as a freshman player until he shows me that's how he's going to act. He's still got plenty of things to be able to work on, plenty of things to grow in.
But the mentality is one thing I do appreciate with him. And, you know, we're challenging him, asking him to do a lot of different things in regards to, you know, just some of the finer details. But, you know, he's definitely answered the call in a lot of ways of what we want, what we expect.
You know, I think we've got some talented guys in the receiver room. You know, Tae Gelsey’s a guy I've been really pleased with as well. Just, you know, I think he's been so consistent throughout this fall camp. We know Micahi (Danzy), I know I mentioned him, Duce (Robinson) did some good things. So those experienced players, but then it's that next group. And I think Jasen is putting himself in a position that he's challenging for significant opportunities. Just want to see them just continue to grow and get better. Excited for what's ahead.
On he agreed with Tony White that the engagement and conversations from players on the sideline are improved from last year
Yeah, you know, I mean, I think just, you know, it's the ups and downs of football. You know, you're going to see good plays, bad plays. But, what energy are you bringing, you know, regardless of the circumstance?
And, you know, it's, it's one of the things even offensively, there was a, there was a couple of drives, you know, just there at the beginning didn't go, you know, necessarily how guys wanted, but you continue to stay the course, you continue to focus on that next play.
And some explosive plays showed up after that, but it's, it's, you know, games will look a lot of different ways. And, you know, there's going to be times where, you know, it might be one side of the ball, that's, you know, you're carrying for a little while the team, but you know, if you're, if you're struggling and the only way you can get through it is you got to let your best continue to show up. And, you know, if you get caught up in your feelings and the things that are not working out or what's, you know, what's happening to you and not just going to be the best you can be to make the difference as you're moving forward, you know, there's a lot of missed opportunities.
And, you know, I think our guys have, you know, embraced those situations where they got to fight, encourage, you know, challenge themselves out of, you know, the things that might not go the way that they want in the moment. And you just keep playing. And that's where you can hear that you can feel that, you know, there's times that, you know, the wave of momentum, I mean, it's, it's real, but it only takes one play to change momentum.
And that's where we're trying to get guys to, you know, the, whether it's whether you're riding the positive wave of momentum, just focus on the next play, whether you're, you know, stacked up against you, and, you know, just focus on the next play. And the attitude, the energy, and the excitement to go, to go be it, you know, that's got to show up. And I think our guys are continuing to work through that. But I think it's definitely much improved.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Everything Mike Norvell said after FSU's scrimmage
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While he acknowledged that players on both sides of the ball made good plays, he admitted that the defense won the day.
"I would say the defense definitely won the day and how they played, what they did," he said. "I thought that there's still a lot of really good things that showed up in some areas where we get to grow and get better."
When asked about players who stood out, he praised the defensive line for their ability to disrupt the offense, singling out Mandrell and Darryll Desir as well as Jalen Anderson.
"I thought the defensive line was really impactful," he said. "The Desir twins multiple times, making an impact. Jalen Anderson had a great, great speed sack. A couple of guys coming off the edge that, you just felt that disruption."
Norvell also talked about how quarterback Ashton Daniels has looked in fall camp, why they had both scrimmages early in camp, how the running backs looked, and more. Watch the full press conference and read his comments down below.
Mike Norvell discusess FSU's scrimmage
On quarterback Ashton Daniels
Yeah, I love what I've seen from him throughout this first 10 days, you know, and, you know, just his ownership of the, of the offense, you know, understanding where to go, what to do, you know, how he's been able to perform. I think he's done a really good job.
Tonight, there were a few opportunities that, you know, he created, and then there was a few opportunities that, you know, we can continue to grow and be better at, you know, as we're mixing, you know, different personnel, different guys. I think he's got a great understanding, control, and has been highly efficient and explosive in the things we've asked him to do.
Why they had both scrimmages early in camp
Yeah, you know, I think some of it is just the work we're able to get in the summer. You know, even though you're not going against each other, you still get to the installations, you know, understanding some of the situational things. I think we're in a really good place, but you want to see guys and go out there and execute and perform. You know, there is a fundamental, you know, development of just throughout those first 10 practices, but it's also good to see guys that can take the things you're asking them to do and put it into action.
And, you know, it's very similar to what we did this last year. And, you know, I like, you know, we've been pretty, pretty clean just on the bumps and bruises that we've had. Don't think that anything up to this point is going to stretch into the season.
Obviously, a few guys that got, you know, a little banged up today, but we'll see exactly where that goes. But it does allow a little bit more time if any of those things might take a week or two weeks, you know, just to be able to get back ready to go as we get into game situations. But, you know, we'll have, you know, our guys, they've been practicing really hard too.
I mean, it's a, you know, our practices during the week, I mean, they're fast, they're physical, you know, it might be thud mode. I mean, guys are, I mean, they're playing physical on their feet. And so that's something that we want to see with the intensity.
Next week we'll have a compete day where we'll get some good live sessions, but, you know, or some periods, but, you know, ultimately, you know, that is a, that is the last scrimmage that we'll have. And, you know, everything will be more situational throughout the course of practice and, you know, try to put guys in different sequences through those opportunities.
On how the running backs performed
Yeah, I mean, you know, Sam (Singleton) had a, had a big run. Ous (Kromah)has been great throughout the course of camp. You know, we've had, Tre (Wisner) was out, out tonight, you know, expecting to get him back, you know, here, you know, shortly.
I mean, they ran hard. Those top two guys, you know, we had them in different color jerseys, just, you know, being smart with, with their legs and just, they're hard guys to tackle.
So, it's been good to see them get quality work, but also just, you know, the way that, you know, it's, it's iron sharpens iron. We’re still, we're still contacting, we're still, you know, you're thudding them up. And, you know, it's, it's good to see swarm tackles on them. But, you know, it's a, it's also, it's great to see just the confidence that the guys in that running back room have to take advantage when, when their number is called.
On how the drives ended that Ashton Daniels led
We moved the ball, a couple of touchdown drives, you know, I don't remember the exact number count of it, but you had a couple of touchdown drives that he led. A couple that, you know, obviously, we have different areas that we get to go back and continue to evaluate and continue to work to get better.
Overall, I thought the defense, if you had to say, you know, pick a winner of the day, I would say the defense, you know, definitely won the day and how they played, what they did. But, you know, I thought that there's still a lot of, a lot of really good things that showed up in some areas where we get to grow and get better.
On how special teams looked
Our kickoff coverage, you felt speed. I gotta go back and watch, you know, across the board, but I mean, there was some great speed down the field, you know, guys making, you know, quick full-speed decisions. You know, our kickoff return unit, I know there's one that, you know, we got out with our, with our first KOR group, you know, that looked really, really clean. And then a couple of things were, you know, just for it being the first day, just some, some of the technique and, you know, finer details that we'll have to get everybody continuing to grow from.
But I thought it was good. You know, we're trying to really stress our punt unit. We're showing a lot of different looks, trying to, you know, create, you know, as much pressure as we can.
And, you know, I really appreciate just the work our players have been putting into that. I think that can be a weapon for us and, you know, just different variations and how the unique things that we've been able to work and establish and continue to get better there.
On some players who stood out during the scrimmage
Yeah, you know, I mean, I thought the defensive line was really impactful. You know, the Desir twins multiple times, you know, making an impact, you know, Jalen Anderson had a great, great speed sack. A couple of guys, you know, coming off the edge that, you know, you just, you felt that disruption.
And, you know, obviously, when you're sitting out there, it's good for one side, another side, you got to continue to improve and work through that. But, you know, I was something I was, I was excited to see.
And you want to, you know, obviously, we can move, we can do a lot of things just pressure-wise. But, you know, sometimes when you get in those different third downs, can you just line up four guys and be able to create a pass rush? And that was something that I wanted to be able to get a look at. And I thought that those guys definitely answered the call. You know, it was a good day from that.
I think when you look at the speed from the front end to the back of our defense, I mean, that's going to be something that should be a great strength for us and a versatility of how guys can be aligned, distributed. I know we looked at a couple different packages there tonight, and so, all in all, it was good work.
On the linebacker position
I think some guys have definitely established themselves in the room as they're going to be top players. And I'm, I'm glad that we had the competition that we have, because I think it can be a really strong group. And, you know, obviously, with our defense, the ability to be able to play three linebackers to be able to have the different personnel groupings, I think we can tie to the strengths of guys within that room, as well as, you know, guys that are really versatile and all that they can do.
But I've been pleased with the personnel and the linebacker core. Mikai (Gbayor) basically is the guy that's been close, I think here probably this next week we'll be able to see more action out of him. I'm really excited about what he can bring, as well as, you know, the growth that we're seeing.
I think Omar Graham is playing really, really good ball. And you're seeing, you know, guys like Blake Nicholson, Caleb LaVallee that have been here. But then, you know, I think everybody's talked about Chris Jones, and he's been definitely been a force. And he's a guy that you really like to see. Izayia Williams is, you know, he's, he was out tonight. But, you know, expecting him to get back into action here in this next week or so. You know, a guy that I think is a young player, you know, is going to have an opportunity to impact.
So we've got a really good group in that linebacker room. And, you know, so it is going to be very competitive, but also just the other areas where those guys can be able to impact the football team as well as creating their roles in different personnel groups.
A couple of position battles he is keeping his eye on this week
You know, just really the emergence of, you know, the five up front on the offensive line, you know. I think we've got a group that's been pretty consistent in that, you know, obviously, you got to continue to push, you know, we'll get a chance to watch tonight and kind of see where that went. You know, a couple guys got opportunities, you know, there with different groups. And you're those guys that, you know, you talk about five, but you know, you want to be able to have eight or nine that can go into a game, you know, and obviously, play at a high level. So just who's really moving in that position.
You know, just watching the defensive back group. I mean, I think it's very competitive right now. I've really been pleased, you know, with Q Jones, you know, obviously we know Ja’Bril (Rawls) and the work that he's been able to do. He was a little bit limited early in the week, but was able to get some work tonight. But, you know, Q has been really good.
You see Nehemiah Chandler. Charles Lester had a really nice pick tonight. The guy that we're challenging, Ricky Knight, who's going to emerge as those guys that we can be counted on, you know, there at the corner position.
It was great competition and safety. It's a fun group to see battle, but just to see the continued emergence. We've got guys, I think Aston Barker's playing at an elite level, you know, just where he is right now and just his overall confidence in the defense, but excited to see where that's going to continue to go.
On how important this next week is for Jasen Lopez
Yeah, I mean, he's a guy that doesn't really act like a freshman, so I'm not going to put him as a freshman player until he shows me that's how he's going to act. He's still got plenty of things to be able to work on, plenty of things to grow in.
But the mentality is one thing I do appreciate with him. And, you know, we're challenging him, asking him to do a lot of different things in regards to, you know, just some of the finer details. But, you know, he's definitely answered the call in a lot of ways of what we want, what we expect.
You know, I think we've got some talented guys in the receiver room. You know, Tae Gelsey’s a guy I've been really pleased with as well. Just, you know, I think he's been so consistent throughout this fall camp. We know Micahi (Danzy), I know I mentioned him, Duce (Robinson) did some good things. So those experienced players, but then it's that next group. And I think Jasen is putting himself in a position that he's challenging for significant opportunities. Just want to see them just continue to grow and get better. Excited for what's ahead.
On he agreed with Tony White that the engagement and conversations from players on the sideline are improved from last year
Yeah, you know, I mean, I think just, you know, it's the ups and downs of football. You know, you're going to see good plays, bad plays. But, what energy are you bringing, you know, regardless of the circumstance?
And, you know, it's, it's one of the things even offensively, there was a, there was a couple of drives, you know, just there at the beginning didn't go, you know, necessarily how guys wanted, but you continue to stay the course, you continue to focus on that next play.
And some explosive plays showed up after that, but it's, it's, you know, games will look a lot of different ways. And, you know, there's going to be times where, you know, it might be one side of the ball, that's, you know, you're carrying for a little while the team, but you know, if you're, if you're struggling and the only way you can get through it is you got to let your best continue to show up. And, you know, if you get caught up in your feelings and the things that are not working out or what's, you know, what's happening to you and not just going to be the best you can be to make the difference as you're moving forward, you know, there's a lot of missed opportunities.
And, you know, I think our guys have, you know, embraced those situations where they got to fight, encourage, you know, challenge themselves out of, you know, the things that might not go the way that they want in the moment. And you just keep playing. And that's where you can hear that you can feel that, you know, there's times that, you know, the wave of momentum, I mean, it's, it's real, but it only takes one play to change momentum.
And that's where we're trying to get guys to, you know, the, whether it's whether you're riding the positive wave of momentum, just focus on the next play, whether you're, you know, stacked up against you, and, you know, just focus on the next play. And the attitude, the energy, and the excitement to go, to go be it, you know, that's got to show up. And I think our guys are continuing to work through that. But I think it's definitely much improved.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Everything Mike Norvell said after FSU's scrimmage
Continue reading...
