As Florida State University (FSU) embarks on another spring football season in 2025, head coach Mike Norvell is taking stock of his team, assessing progress, and looking toward the future. With spring practices in full swing, the Seminoles have reached the midway point of their spring camp, and Norvell, now in his fourth season at the helm, is eager to evaluate where his team stands as they prepare for the 2025 season.
With a rising roster full of new talent, seasoned players, and an experienced coaching staff, the 2025 spring camp is critical for the team’s development, both as individuals and as a collective unit. The Seminoles are aiming to build upon the momentum gained from a strong 2024 season and continue the upward trajectory that has been the hallmark of Norvell’s tenure in Tallahassee.
At the midway point of spring camp, Norvell took the opportunity to assess the team’s strengths, address areas that need improvement, and provide insight into the competition at various positions. His reflections were also an opportunity to offer a glimpse of what Seminoles fans can expect from the team as the 2025 season approaches.
Let’s dive into what Norvell had to say about the Seminoles’ performance, the progress of key players, and the outlook for the team as spring camp reaches its halfway point.
The Development of Key Players
As with any spring camp, one of the primary goals is to evaluate individual players and see how they’ve developed since the conclusion of the previous season. Florida State has a roster loaded with talent, and Norvell is keeping a close eye on both returning players and newcomers.
Quarterback Battle: Jordan Travis and the Backup Competition
One of the most anticipated battles of Florida State’s spring camp has been the competition at the quarterback position. Jordan Travis, the veteran and established starter for the Seminoles, has been impressive through the first half of spring camp, continuing to build on the strong performances he delivered in 2024. His leadership, experience, and dual-threat ability make him the clear frontrunner for the starting role, and Norvell has been pleased with Travis’s progress as a leader and playmaker.
“Jordan has been doing exactly what we’ve expected from him,” Norvell commented during a press conference. “His understanding of the offense is at an elite level, and he’s making the right decisions in the pocket. More importantly, he’s leading by example. You can see his maturity in the way he communicates with the offense and holds everyone accountable.”
However, with Travis entrenched as the starter, the focus is on the competition for the backup role. Tate Rodemaker and AJ Duffy, both talented quarterbacks, have been competing for the second-string spot. Rodemaker, who has seen limited action in games, has been showcasing his arm strength and ability to make throws under pressure, while Duffy, a highly regarded young talent, is displaying significant potential with his mobility and field vision.
“The competition between Tate and AJ has been really encouraging,” Norvell said. “Both of those guys are taking the reps seriously, and they’ve each made strides in their development. It’s a healthy competition, and we’ll continue to evaluate them closely.”
The backup quarterback role is crucial for the Seminoles, and Norvell is focused on ensuring that both Travis’s development and the readiness of the backup quarterbacks remain priorities during camp.
Wide Receiver Corps: Depth and Growth
One area that has been a point of emphasis during the offseason is the development of FSU’s wide receivers. After losing some key players to the NFL, including Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, Norvell is working to build a new, dynamic group of playmakers who can step up and contribute immediately.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys and some veterans who are stepping up and showing out this spring,” Norvell remarked. “We’ve seen flashes of greatness from guys like Micah Pittman and Ontario Wilson, but we’re also seeing newcomers really starting to find their rhythm. We’ve got to continue to build that depth and make sure that we’re creating competition at every position.”
One of the standout players so far in spring camp has been Rovontae’ “RV” Johnson, who has impressed with his quickness, route-running ability, and ability to make catches in traffic. Another player to watch is Destyn Hill, a sophomore receiver who has been showing signs of a breakout year. His ability to gain separation from defenders and stretch the field has been a critical aspect of the offense’s success thus far.
Additionally, the tight end position has become a focal point of growth. Players like Kyle Morlock and Jackson West have been receiving a lot of attention, as the tight end position could play a crucial role in FSU’s offensive schemes this season. With an already dynamic passing game, the Seminoles are looking to utilize the tight ends as mismatches for opposing defenses.
“We want to have balance,” Norvell noted. “We’ve got a lot of talent at wide receiver, but adding some more weaponry at tight end will allow us to be more dynamic in the passing game. Kyle and Jackson have been making strides, and I’m excited to see how they develop this spring.”
Running Back Group: Who Will Step Up?
The running back position is another area that has sparked conversation throughout spring camp. After the departure of Trey Benson, who played a major role in FSU’s offensive success in 2024, the Seminoles are looking for someone to step into the role of feature back.
As of now, the battle between Lawrence Toafili, Trey Benson’s replacement, and Rodney Hill Jr. has been a focal point. Toafili, a veteran of the backfield, has displayed his ability to break tackles and hit big runs in practice, while Hill, a dynamic and shifty running back, has made his presence felt with quickness and elusive moves that make him a threat in space.
“Lawrence and Rodney are two guys we can lean on, and both of them have shown flashes,” Norvell said. “They’ve got different styles, but they complement each other well. We want to have depth at that position, and I think we’ve got the talent to do that.”
The ability to effectively establish the run game will be essential for the Seminoles as they look to have a well-balanced offense. The coaches are also keeping a close eye on the incoming freshmen, such as C.J. Campbell and Michael D. Williams, to see if they can contribute in the rotation.
Defensive Line: Depth and Aggression
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line has been a significant point of emphasis during the spring. FSU’s defense was one of the standout units in 2024, and Norvell is committed to continuing that success in 2025. The Seminoles’ front seven will look to disrupt opposing offenses with pressure, and much of that will depend on the development of their defensive line.
“We’ve got a lot of talent up front,” Norvell said. “But depth and consistency will be key. We need to develop a rotation that keeps our guys fresh, but also allows us to be as aggressive as possible.”
Players like Jared Verse, Byron Turner, and Fabian Lovett have all been impressive during camp, with each of them showing the ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt passing plays. The focus for this group in the second half of spring camp will be to continue improving their technique and establish the rotation that will help keep them fresh during the grueling season.
Additionally, the linebacker group has also made strides. Players such as Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune are expected to lead this unit with their experience and leadership.
Evaluating Special Teams
A unit often overlooked but crucial to the success of any team is special teams, and Mike Norvell is making sure that the Seminoles are firing on all cylinders in this department as well. Ryan Fitzgerald, the team’s kicker, and Alex Mastromanno, the punter, have both been performing at a high level during camp. Norvell highlighted their importance in setting up favorable field positions and securing points when the offense isn’t able to capitalize.
“We’ve got to be strong in the kicking game,” Norvell said. “That’s the difference in a lot of close games, and I’ve been pleased with the consistency we’ve seen from both Ryan and Alex.”
Looking Ahead: Final Push for Spring Camp
As Florida State reaches the halfway point of spring camp, Norvell remains focused on building a cohesive team that can compete for an ACC title and, ultimately, a national championship. The work done during the rest of the camp will be crucial in determining the depth chart, establishing positions, and finding the right combinations on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve still got work to do, but I’m excited about the direction this team is heading,” Norvell remarked. “The guys are competing, and we’re seeing a lot of growth. We’re building something special, and I believe this team can accomplish some great things in the coming season.”
With the foundation being laid during spring camp, Florida State fans are eagerly watching to see how their Seminoles continue to evolve under the leadership of Mike Norvell. As the team progresses through the second half of spring camp, expect them to become even more cohesive and ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025 season.