Mike Norvell speaks on Johnny Wilson's growth

Expectations are sky-high for Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles going into the 2023 season. To reach those expectations, the Seminoles are going to need to rely on their veteran and star players. One of those players is wide receiver Johnny Wilson.

Recently, Norvell spoke about Wilson’s growth through the spring.

“I think Johnny [has] grown in a lot of ways,” Mike Norvell said. “Just his understanding of the finer details of the offense. The ability to move him around to a lot of different spots. You know, create matchups. He’s definitely a great well-rounded receiver. He’s pushing himself in a lot of areas in his routes, blocking. A great overall approach to his game and the growth of who he is.”

Wilson came to Florida State as a transfer from Arizona State. Quickly, the big-bodied wide receiver made waves and became one of the best wide receivers in the game. Now, Norvell thinks he’s set up for an excellent season.

“But I think he’s setting himself up to have a great year and definitely excited about him. And Kentron [Poitier] has done a wonderful job. Those guys play off of each other at that spot and then both have flexibility to do everything. So, really like what I’ve seen from those two.”

Johnny Wilson and his fellow veteran stars have been able to stay motivated to this point. It’s something that Mike Norvell has noticed and praised thoroughly.

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

Mike Norvell on the Florida State quarterbacks

Florida State brings back Jordan Travis, who is expected to build on his excellent 2022 season. However, he isn’t alone in the quarterback room and depth is important too. After the spring practice, Mike Norvell broke down those quarterbacks behind Travis.

“I think it was good. There was good and there were some plays that were very teachable moments for all four of them. I thought they did a good job of responding. I’m really pleased with the growth in that room. There’s a lot of competition…..All those guys are pushing forward,” Norvell said.

“Brock [Glenn] had a series where he missed a couple of throws early. I was glad to see him come back in the end and have that touchdown drive and to not let it go the other way. There was a series that I thought [AJ Duffy] was just a little hesitant in some of the decision-making…And I thought he had a really good drive at the end as well. Tate [Rodemaker] has done a great job of continuing to push to take another step. Jordan is really working to improve and today was not perfect. There was things that he knows in the moment where it could be better and where he can be even more efficient.”