Mike Norvell hasn't coached a game as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, but the 38-year-old Texas native is already winning off the field. The former leader of the Memphis Tigers is making waves on the recruiting trail and earning Tallahassee's trust as his program rebuilds after the underwhelming tenure of Willie Taggart.
Florida State football fans are buying into Norvell's character and charisma early and often, and he's not shying away from showing how passionate the offensive guru is about wearing the garnet and gold.
In a video posted to the FSU football Twitter account, Norvell addresses his players during winter workouts down in Tallahassee. The 'Noles are still months away from their neutral-site season opener against the West Virginia Mountaineers, but now is the time when Norvell is preaching the "climb" and "championship-level approach" required by one of college football's most historic programs.
Mike Norvell's Speech to FSU Players
"Focus on you. Because at the end of the day, if every person in this group can take care of themselves, get yourself to where you're supposed to be, give unbelievable effort... do it with a passion focused on your growth, focused on your climb, then we have a chance. Because you'll inspire me. Because you have the talent. You have the opportunity. And it's our job to help develop you to where you want to go. And it's not just about the game, it's everything that you do, are you going to bring that championship-level approach?"
— Mike Norvell
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A long rebuild is ahead for the once-proud program. Four-star recruits like quarterback Chubba Purdy (Gilbert, AZ) and cornerback Demorie Tate (Orlando, FL) are solid starting points, but Norvell and his coaching staff are focused on cementing a winning culture first and foremost. Bringing defensive coordinator Adam Fuller with him from Memphis and landing former Auburn staffer Kenny Dillingham as offensive coordinator are huge as Florida State University's head football coach builds a winning football program.
As long as Norvell brings this energy and fire the rest of the spring and into training camp, FSU is on the right path to eventually stand toe-to-toe with Dabo Swinney's Clemson Tigers in the ACC's Atlantic Division, and hopefully, return to national prominence and compete for the school's first College Football Playoff berth.
