Mike Norvell assesses Florida State secondary in recent scrimmage

As Florida State gets ready for its first game of the season, the secondary is an area of focus for coach Mike Norvell. After a recent scrimmage, the Seminoles headman provided an assessment of that unit.

Norvell highlighted a few players who showed out in the scrimmage, including DJ Lundy, who started 11 games for Florida State last year. He said he’s seen some improvements across the board and a few players gaining more confidence.

“I thought DJ Lundy had a really good scrimmage,” Norvell said. “You see a different player than was here last year. He’s trimmed some body weight. Flew around, really liked what I saw. I thought Julian Armella as a young freshman tackle, we actually mixed him in and got a lot of reps with the ones in the scrimmage. There were some freshman moments, but I thought he continued to work. I’m excited about what his progression’s going to be. Not being here in the spring, there’s a lot on him. But I thought all in all, he did some really good things.

“I thought our backs, really all the backs, were outstanding. It was impressive watching them, just the way that they play. I think ‘Duke’ Cooper really did some good things there at corner. I just like his progression. Him, Renardo [Green], they’re taking a lot of ownership. Shyheim Brown’s somebody, you kind of see him flying and he’s really starting to gain more confidence as he’s growing up. I like our defensive front.”

Mike Norvell discusses improvement of Florida State linebacker room, what it means for defense

Norvell also discussed the improvement he’s seen in the Florida State linebacker room. At a recent media availability, he discussed some players who’ve stood out in practice and praised his new linebackers coach, Randy Shannon.

“I think you look at an improved Amari Gainer, an improved DJ Lundy, you know, Omar Graham, Stephen Dix,” Norvell told reporters. “I mean, I’ll tell you, Brendan Gant showed up. He’s done some great things with his body, too. You know, he’s probably put on 10 to 15 pounds. I saw him fly around tonight.”