Mike Norvell feels 'really good' about Florida State offensive line
An offense is only as strong as its linemen. Luckily for FSU fans, head coach Mike Norvell claims the O-line looks great this season.
“I feel really good,” Norvell said on Sunday. “When you mention the first five up, I think we have eight guys that have put themselves in a good position. I think these are guys we can win with. There are still some moving pieces. There are still some thing sthat we’re going to look. I feel like there’s a couple guys below that that can play themselves up into expanding that group.”
Despite boasting the highest-returning production in the nation this season, FSU’s offensive line will look a bit different. The unit lost two starters, including All-ACC guard Dillan Gibbons. Nonetheless, group has no shortage of experience.
FSU’s O-line has a combined 206 starts in their respective careers. Of course, not all of these starts are for the Seminoles. After losing two starters, Norvell hit the transfer portal, reeling in Casey Roddick (Colorado), Jeremiah Byers (UTEP) and Keiondre Jones (Auburn).
Norvell believes the group gets better everyday.
“Espeically early on today, I thought that group was really good,” Norvell said. “We limited some guys. Maurice [Smith] didn’t get a ton of work today. Him and Casey [Roddick] were probably the first two that we pulled after 20 reps or so.
“Those guys have looked really good. Jeremiah Byers, love what I’m seeing from him. Robert Scott, Bless Harris, it’s an impressive group,” Norvell said. “I could go through most of those guys. I really like the way they work together even when they’re being moved and put in different positions.”
The group was already impressive last season. FSU ranked 10th nationally in offensive production, averaging 484.2 yards per game. Further, the unit allowed just 20 sacks through 13 contests. With offensive coordinator Alex Atkins entering his second season, the Seminoles’ offense could be even better this season.
“Look at our offensive staff,” Norvell said, “Alex Atkins I think is a special coach, special leader. The insight, the wisdom, the things that he brings to this offense is remarkable. But we have a wonderful offensive staff as well.”
Norvell isn’t the only one taking notice of FSU’s offensive prowess. In the AP’s Preseason Top 25, FSU came in at No. 8. It was the first time the Seminoles were ranked in the preseason poll since 2018. Norvell hopes to replicate the success of days past at FSU.
“We’ve gotten better; we’ve seen those positive steps throughout our program – on the field and off the field,” Norvell said. “We’ve got to keep it going. We have to keep improving. We have to continue to be more consistent. As long as we’re doing that, I have a lot of confidence in what we’re going to do and what we’ll be able to accomplish. That’s a daily challenge.”