If you hear Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell shouting to the city of Tallahassee “good morning'” before the sun rises, that’s when you know college football is officially back.
The Seminoles will make their way to Dunlap Athletic Training Center for the first day of fall camp on Wednesday, beginning at 9 a.m. Norvell is excited as he enters his fifth season at FSU.
“It’s been a great off-season for our program, from starting back there in January, going through the winterprogram, spring practice, the summer workouts, then reporting tomorrow,” Norvell said during the 2024 ACC Kickoff Monday.
“So excited about this team. Excited about the young men that I get to coach.”
Despite a perfect regular season record and claiming the ACC title, FSU still missed the College Football Playoffs and lost to Georgia in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
This year, Norvell will not settle for anything less than perfection. After expanding to 12 teams, FSU expects to make the playoffs.
Norvell believes his new group of guys are up for the task.
“I think we have a group of like-minded individuals,” Norvell said.
“They love to work. They’re willing to embrace challenge. It’s that cohesiveness that has me excited about what this team’s potential can be. We just now get to go live it out as we start off with this upcoming season.”
The Seminoles open the 2024 season against Georgia Tech in Week 0 during the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland. The game will be televised on ESPN at noon.
As the Seminoles prepare for their first day of practice, here are things to know about this year’s team.
What are Florida State’s strengths?
Offense
FSU’s running game should be in good hands.
Despite the loss of Trey Benson, FSU has plenty of options at running back. Lawrence Toafili and Caziah Holmes are the two returning seniors from last season.
FSU also added Jaylin Lucas and Roydell Williams from the transfer portal. Freshmen Kam Davis, Micahi Danzi and Samuel Singleton Jr. could see action in their first season.
FSU’s offensive line returns three of its five starters, including left tackle and team leader Darius Washington. Maurice Smith is back at center. Both made All-ACC last year. Jeremiah Byers returns at right tackle.
The Seminoles added Richie Leonard IV, Jacob Rizy and TJ Ferguson from the transfer portal to compete for the starting guard spots.
Defense
FSU is loaded up front.
Losing Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Fabien Lovett to the NFL doesn’t expect to hurt the Seminoles because of their depth on the defensive line.
All-ACC Patrick performers Patrick Payton and Joshua Farmer will be leading the d-line. Payton led the Seminoles with 14.5 tackles for loss and was second in seven sacks. Farmer added five sacks and seven TFLs at defensive tackle.
Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. established himself after FSU’s spring showcase and is expected to be a key addition to FSU’s defensive line.
What are Florida State’s weaknesses?
Offense
With quarterback Jordan Travis and wide receivers Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and tight end Jaheim Bell all departed, the Seminoles’ passing game is breaking in a new group of players.
As quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is looking to lead the offense behind centers, he must identify his new weapons at receiver.
Alabama transfer Malik Benson is expected to be the primary target for the Seminoles. However, there is still an uncertainty of who could be WR2.
Ja’khi Douglas, who saw time mainly in the slot, and Hykeem Williams, who played in eight games, are likely to get more opportunities. Other receivers to watch are Elijah Moore, the 6-foot-4 freshman, Darion Williamson and Kentron Poitier.
Defense
There are still holes that need to be filled on defense, especially at linebackers.
FSU must identify its new linebackers corps after the departure of Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune. DJ Lundy will be the man in the middle for the Seminoles.
Auburn transfer Cam Riley is expected to compete for the inside linebacker job as well. Sophomores Omar Graham Jr., Blake Nichelson, and Justin Cryer could also be in the mix.
The secondary is mostly young, with cornerback Fentrell Cypress II and safety Shyheim Brown being the top two returning starters.
Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas made waves during the spring and is likely to start on the opposite side of Cypress. FSU is still looking for someone who can play nickel and another safety who can play beside Brown.
Best FSU football home game: Clemson
The Oct. 5 matchup has all the storylines imaginable that can build up into Week 5 when ACC heavyweights FSU and Clemson square off at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Clemson and FSU, of course, are also part of ongoing lawsuits against the ACC. Uiagalelei will also face his former team for the first time.
All that aside, a win against the Tigers could put the Seminoles in the driver’s seat for the ACC Championship and playoff contention.
The Seminoles beat Clemson in overtime last year at Death Valley.
Best FSU football road game: Notre Dame
Notre Dame is back on FSU’s schedule. It will be the first time since 2020 that FSU will travel to South Bend to face the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame has won the last three meetings. Most recently, FSU lost to Notre Dame in overtime, 41-38, at home.
If FSU secures a spot in the ACC Championship, beating Notre Dame on the road can be another signature win in nonconference play for the Seminoles to make the College Football Playoff.
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Tallahassee Democrat
