Florida State made some minor changes to its depth chart coming off the bye week. But the two notable items are who is not listed.
Randy Pittman and Roydell Williams are not on the depth chart ahead of the Kent State game on Saturday, although that’s not a surprise considering each missed FSU’s second game against East Texas A&M. Coach Mike Norvell had indicated Williams would be out for a longer period of time, while he stated that Pittman would be out for a shorter period.
There were no changes to FSU’s defensive depth chart on Monday. There were a few revisions on offense:
There is now an “or” designation as co-starter for three tight ends with Markeston Douglas, Amaree Williams and Landen Thomas.
At left guard, FSU lists Richie Leonard IV as the starter with Jacob Rizy and Andre’ Otto as the co-backups. Rizy had been previously listed as a co-starter. At right guard, Rizy is the backup to Adrian Medley.
FSU returned to the practice field on Sunday night after taking a few days off in the bye week.
A positive update on Ethan Pritchard
Norvell visited freshman linebacker Ethan Pritchard in the hospital on Monday. But he was thrilled to share with the team a significant update in Pritchard’s recovery as he “opened his eyes” on Sunday.
“There has been progress,” Norvell said. “Yesterday, he opened his eyes. It was something that was emotional for everybody to be honest with you. It puts all things in perspective, the appreciation of a blink. He's fighting. His family is there, so very supporting. There's still some major steps along the way that we're all going to be believing for and supporting and continuing in our prayers.”
Pritchard was shot on Aug. 31 in Havana, Florida. On Wednesday, local law enforcement announced arrests in the case. Jayden Bodison, Caron Miller and a juvenile are charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle.
Tony White considered on UCLA hot boards
It didn’t take long after Deshaun Foster was fired at UCLA, after an 0-3 start, for hot boards to pop up among national media. ESPN writers listed FSU defensive coordinator Tony White first among five names.
White is a UCLA alum and will be a hot name in coaching circles if FSU’s defense continues to impress in 2025. Through two games, FSU is 14th in the FBS in scoring defense. According to the ESPN story, White interviewed with UCLA before Foster was hired for the 2024 season.
Norvell is very familiar with assistant coaches being in the mix for power conference jobs (as assistants or head coaches) through his years at Memphis and FSU.
“I want coaches that desire for all, the same thing that I want for our players. I want to be a part of their growth,” Norvell said. “I want to be a part of their improvement, of their enjoyment of what this profession is and how we get to do it. I'm here to support all of our staff in that. When you do a good job, your name is going to be out there.”
Norvell also broadly discussed the decision coaches must make of weighing a job and if it’s the right fit. While he didn’t address UCLA specifically, there are questions about the finances around the Bruins’ athletics department.
UCLA is also a school that prioritizes basketball over football. The Bruins have played in just two bowl games since 2018, and that includes the school’s hiring of Chip Kelly. In men’s basketball, UCLA has played in the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five seasons and advanced to the Final Four in spring 2021.
White is not scheduled to speak to the media until Sunday, following FSU’s game against Kent State.
“It's still about what's you ultimately desire and want to do, and then make sure that you find the best fit — if it is to do something different,” Norvell said. “I've had a lot of coaches throughout the years that have had great opportunities when it comes to the place, or sometimes even the finances of things that are out there, but it was the best fit for them to be with us and to continue on in their growth.”
