Former Florida State defensive lineman Jalen Wilkerson isn’t shy when it comes to sharing his admiration for head football coach Mike Norvell. Once a fierce competitor in garnet and gold, Wilkerson has seen many iterations of Florida State’s football culture. But according to him, Norvell represents something rare: a coach who leads with authenticity, conviction, and the kind of energy that inspires real change. Wilkerson’s voice adds weight to a narrative that’s growing louder by the day—Mike Norvell is doing more than just coaching football in Tallahassee; he’s rebuilding a legacy.
For Wilkerson, who understands the high expectations that come with wearing a Florida State jersey, Norvell is exactly what the program needed. The former defensive lineman has spoken publicly and passionately about the way Norvell has tackled adversity, earned players’ trust, and instilled a sense of unity and pride in a team that had been searching for direction in recent years. “He’s the real deal,” Wilkerson said. “Coach Norvell doesn’t just say the right things—he does them. That means something, especially at a school like Florida State.”
The Seminoles have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions over the past decade. After winning the 2013 national championship under Jimbo Fisher, the program slowly declined amid coaching changes, inconsistent recruiting, and underwhelming seasons. When Norvell took over in 2019, the program was at a low point—both in wins and in confidence. But from the moment he arrived in Tallahassee, Norvell brought with him a relentless work ethic and a clear message: accountability, discipline, and heart.
Wilkerson, like many FSU alumni, has kept a close eye on the program’s evolution. What stands out to him isn’t just the results on the field—it’s the character of the man leading the charge. “You can see it in the way the players carry themselves,” Wilkerson noted. “They believe. They fight. That’s not by accident. That comes from the top.”
Indeed, Norvell has worked tirelessly to change the tone in the locker room. He’s emphasized development, culture, and communication, knowing that championships don’t start with schemes—they start with people. Former players like Wilkerson recognize how rare it is to see a coach so deeply committed to personal relationships and long-term success. “He’s not just trying to win games,” Wilkerson said. “He’s trying to build men.”
The results have started to show. After enduring a rough first season, Norvell guided Florida State to back-to-back 10-win seasons and put the Seminoles back into the national spotlight. More importantly, he’s created a culture that encourages growth, demands excellence, and celebrates effort. His players speak highly of him, recruits are once again seeing FSU as a premier destination, and fans are beginning to believe that the Seminoles are on the brink of greatness once more.
Wilkerson’s praise also touches on the emotional component of Norvell’s leadership. In a sport where toughness is revered and vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, Norvell has managed to strike a balance that’s both powerful and rare. “You can tell he genuinely cares about his players,” Wilkerson said. “Not just how they perform, but who they are, where they’re going, and what they stand for.”
That emotional intelligence has helped Norvell forge deeper bonds with his players. It’s why former athletes, like Wilkerson, feel comfortable speaking out in support of his mission. It’s why current players go to battle with passion and urgency. And it’s why recruits and their families are starting to buy in again. For a program as storied as Florida State, that buy-in is everything.
Wilkerson also pointed out how Norvell has embraced the history and tradition of FSU. Rather than trying to separate himself from the past, Norvell has welcomed alumni back into the fold, showing reverence for the players who helped build the program’s foundation. “He respects the legacy,” Wilkerson said. “And that’s important. Because if you’re going to take this team to new heights, you’ve got to understand where it’s been.”
That respect has resonated throughout the Seminole community. Former greats have returned to practices, mentorship programs have grown, and the alumni pipeline feels more connected than ever. Norvell’s approach is building more than just a competitive football team—he’s creating a family rooted in pride and purpose.
Of course, football remains the engine that drives everything. And Norvell’s on-field success is beginning to catch up with his cultural impact. Florida State’s offense has become one of the most explosive in the nation. The defense is fast, disciplined, and aggressive. Special teams have improved dramatically. More than that, the team plays with a fire and fearlessness that fans haven’t seen in years.
Wilkerson attributes that change to Norvell’s refusal to cut corners. He preaches consistency and demands it every day—from players, from coaches, and from himself. “There’s no shortcuts with him,” Wilkerson said. “He wants to do it the right way. And that’s what’s going to make this rebuild last.”
There’s also a humility to Norvell that resonates with those who know what it’s like to be in the trenches. Despite the growing national attention, Norvell hasn’t changed. He’s still hands-on at practice. Still present in meetings. Still willing to do whatever it takes to get the most out of his players. “That’s leadership,” Wilkerson said. “It’s not about yelling or being flashy. It’s about showing up, being real, and earning respect.”
As Florida State continues to climb back into national contention, voices like Wilkerson’s help underscore just how far the program has come—and how much of that progress is tied to Norvell’s vision. There’s a feeling in Tallahassee now that things are different. The excuses are gone. The noise has quieted. And in its place stands a team that believes in itself, its coach, and its future.
Jalen Wilkerson may no longer wear the jersey, but his passion for the program remains as strong as ever. His praise for Norvell is not just a vote of confidence—it’s a rallying cry to everyone who loves Florida State football. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We’ve got the right man leading us. Now it’s time to go finish the job.”
In the world of college football, trust is everything. And for Mike Norvell, that trust is no longer theoretical—it’s earned. It’s seen in every player who runs out of the tunnel with fire in their eyes. It’s heard in every alumni voice speaking proudly about their school. And it’s felt in every step the Seminoles take toward reclaiming their rightful place among the sport’s elite.
Wilkerson’s endorsement isn’t just a soundbite—it’s a testament. A former player who lived the grind, felt the weight of expectations, and knows what greatness looks like, now looking on with pride as his alma mater rises again. For Florida State, that’s the kind of energy that can’t be manufactured. It has to be built. And under Mike Norvell, it finally is.
