Mike Norvell met with the media after Tuesday’s scrimmage, the first of the preseason for the Florida State football team, and one that the coach called “very competitive.” Below are some highlights:

Norvell said on Monday that it is early in camp to hold a scrimmage, and on Tuesday he said: “We wanted to accelerate the process with this early scrimmage. And I think it will be a lot of good film to be able to learn from.”

The first offensive player mentioned by Norvell was transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos.

“I thought Tommy played really well tonight,” Norvell said. “He did a great job. Had a couple of vertical shots that we were able to connect on.” There were times that Castellanos was able to extend plays “utilizing his legs as well.”

Later on, Norvell said he liked Castellanos’ work ethic and demeanor.

Wide receiver Duce Robinson had a big play (video below), while tight end Randy Pittman showed up with another big play, Norvell said. Micahi Danzy also turned a short play into a big gain but “it turned into an explosive 20-plus-yard run. It was impressive. He forced missed tackles. You saw his speed, explosiveness.”

When asked about the running backs, Norvell said Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk “had a couple nice runs.” Kam Davis has made “some great strides this fall camp. He had some great runs there.” Norvell was also very pleased with how freshman Ousmane Kromah picked up a blitz, calling it “violent.” He praised Kromah as a “superb talent.”

Norvell didn’t go into much detail on the offensive line, saying he wants to go back and look at the film. “All in all, I thought it was a solid first scrimmage for where those guys are, especially with all of them just just now coming to play together for really the first time.”

Defensive standouts

The first defensive players mentioned were Nebraska transfer James Williams and Jaden Jones, a junior college transfer who has yet to play following knee surgery. Norvell mentioned a few sacks, saying Jones had one.

In addition to the sacks, Norvell said: “You felt some of the disruption show up at times with our defensive front.”

The offseason of Earl Little Jr. continues, as Norvell said “Earl Little is continuing to show up in a positive way for us.” Edwin Joseph had a big pass breakup, Norvell said.

Defensive backs are “building in their confidence in different coverages, different leverages.” He said versatility in the defensive backfield is “critical.” Norvell cited Cai Bates with a physical play.

Norvell lamented “some foolish penalties that showed up that extended drives, cost the team in moments." … we got to be more disciplined.”

Special teams

The shift inside limited what FSU could do on special teams, especially punting with the pitch of the IPF roof.

Kicker Jake Weinberg “has been really good” in camp. But Norvell noted Weinberg had a few misses on Tuesday night. “He’s got to go and respond from that,” Norvell said.

Injury update

When asked about the backup quarterbacks, Norvell said Brock Glenn has a “short term issue for a couple day.” The scrimmage was an opportunity for true freshman Kevin Sperry and ETSU transfer Jaylen King to perform. Sperry got a “big chunk of the plays that we needed to see from him. I thought he did some good things.” King “was able to flash there early.”

Norvell said he has been happy with what he has seen from Glenn over the summer and in camp.

Tennessee transfer Jayson Jenkins has been getting individual work and “competitive drills,” Norvell said.

Offensive lineman Jacob Rizy has also been limited due to injury in camp.

Up next

FSU’s players will watch film in the morning and practice. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Tony White will meet with the media on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

The team will travel to Jacksonville for practices on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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