Mike Norvell praises CJ Campbell's growth on, off the field

You never quite know who will emerge as a fan favorite or, better yet, a team favorite. But running back CJ Campbell‘s growth as a player both on and off the field has made him just that for Florida State.

Campbell was named the FSU Scout Team Player of the Year on offense in 2021, and his work ethic has endeared him to players and coaches alike.

“I think it’s both, I think he’s really growing as a player and just you feel he’s a remarkable young man, a remarkable teammate,” coach Mike Norvell said. “The worker that he is, the effort he puts in, how much he cares about his teammates.”

After serving primarily on the scout team in 2021, Campbell began to see some time in the backfield in 2022, though injuries played a part in that.

He ran 18 times for 64 yards and two touchdowns and also had one catch for three yards. He saw action in the team’s final six games of the year.

That 5-foot-9, 198-pound back from Kaplan, La., has put in a lot of hard work, and his teammates have seen and appreciated CJ Campbell’s growth.

“He’s a selfless young man that really does, he cares about all those he gets to be around,” Norvell said. “So you feel that and the response whenever he has success, you see how much he is appreciated from the rest of his team.”

Mike Norvell thrilled with motivation of veterans

Along with the excellent job Campbell has done in inspiring his teammates, the Florida State veterans have also stayed locked in and motivated this spring.

Norvell was effusive in his praise for them.

“You know, Jordan Travis, Jared Verse, those guys. Lawrance Toafili has been remarkable through this. I think Johnny [Wilson], it’s impressive to see what he’s doing,” Norvell said. “I could go through a long list of guys.”

Florida State had a strong third season under Norvell’s direction, and the Seminoles will look to take a step forward after a 10-win season. That’ll be up to the veterans.

“I mean, you look at the mindset of what they’re bringing. Jarrian Jones, I think I mentioned him in the scrimmage. Renardo Green. You know, I like what I’m seeing from the defensive backfield. Just the growth and the competition and the versatility that they’re showing,” Norvell said.

“So, I mean, there’s a lot of guys that have played a lot of football and you feel their desire to get better, and I know it’s an easy thing to say. ‘Well, I just want to get better.’ But it’s another thing to come out when your body’s a little sore, you’re tired, and you have that day one push to go and show it. So, that’s some good work.”