Mike Norvell reflects on pivotal quote following 0-4 start in 2021

Flashback to late Sept. 2021. Florida State had just lost their opening four games of the season, with Louisville being the latest. Notre Dame and Wake Forest were able to get wins as well as Jacksonville State — an FCS program. An incredibly rough start to Year Two for Mike Norvell in Tallahassee.

After the loss to Louisville, Norvell was asked how he was going to sell Florida State to recruits. He went into a full-on rant, talking about how they needed players who were going to buy in. There was a clear rebuilding process the Seminoles needed to undergo. Norvell was looking for guys who were willing to be a part of it.

Two years later and the process seems to be complete. Florida State is a preseason top-10 team in the AP poll and was voted second in the preseason ACC poll. There is belief Norvell could get his team to the College Football Playoff but crucial games are ahead.

Before the season begins on Sept. 3 vs. LSU, Norvell reflected on his rant with On3’s Andy Staples. The culture has changed for Florida State, even if there have still be tough moments. Getting up and responding in a positive fashion has been the response Norvell has wanted throughout.

“I’m really proud of the guys that have been through that journey,” Norvell said. “I’m proud of the guys that have chosen to come and be a part of it. Even through some challenging moments, guys have embraced it. We’ve worked our butt off and guys have stepped up. You feel that in the culture of this team. This is a team that likes to compete, they want to work.

“Have we been knocked down? Absolutely. But we have gotten up and we’ve gotten better. We’ll continue to improve and it’s a daily process for us. We try to learn from every experience and example that we’ve had.”

Recruiting rankings are one thing. Norvell was able to bring in two top-25 classes following his rant. More than anything, the NCAA transfer portal has been an incredible tool for Florida State. Major expected contributors for the 2023 season will have begun their college careers elsewhere.

How highly players are thought of coming out of high school is not why Norvell believes Florida State is where they are, though. He loves the group of people the Seminoles have on their roster and could combine to do something special moving forward.

“I love coaching this team,” Norvell said. “I love the guys that I get to do it with. We’ve got some players that have taken some monumental steps in who they are on the field, who they are off the field. I’m glad to just be a part of the journey with them.

“Side by side and each day, we try to be the example for each other. That puts us in a position to achieve wonderful things here as we continue to move forward.”