FSU Football's newest weapon makes impressive contested catch in first spring practice

Mike Norvell talked about response after FSU's practice on Wednesday and this is certainly an example.

Sep 2, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before the game against the Boston College Eagles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images / Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Following Florida State's first practice of the spring, head coach Mike Norvell claimed that he thought the passing game "was clean for the most part" while noting that the Seminoles made plenty of good plays.

However, it wasn't all perfect as Norvell did reveal that an unnamed wide receiver dropped a pass and showed some frustration in the moment. After a quick correction from wide receivers coach Tim Harris Jr., the player went on to make 'probably as good of a contested catch as you can possibly have' on his next rep.

Norvell showed his appreciation for the response, noting that being able to move on from a bad play and staying engaged in the moment is exactly what he's looking for from his team.

READ MORE: Florida State hiring former player to Mike Norvell's coaching staff

"Had a couple good coachable moments even with those guys [Duce Robinson and Squirrel White] just about response. there was a dropped pass today that was one that we can't have and the response was of frustration," Norvell said. "I got to immediately appoint, address, and see the correction. Coach Harris did a good job with the young man and the next time he was out there it was probably as good of a contested catch as you can possibly have."

"Those are the moments that you just want to be able to build upon because life's going to happen. When you go against great people, you're going to have good and bad moments," Norvell continued. "Sometimes you're going to hit the expectation of what you want it to be and sometimes you're not but you still get to be in control of where you let your mind go in that moment. For me, that is what leadership is. Bad things can happen but you're there continuing to push and believe to be willing to go make that next play."

Based on video provided by Florida State, it appears the unnamed Seminole who fostered the moment was wide receiver transfer, Duce Robinson. The 6-foot-6 target was able to showcase all of his length and contested catch ability in a 1-on-1 rep against junior cornerback Quindarrius Jones.

Robinson was able to get a step on Jones and fought through contact to go up and pull down a deep ball that was seemingly tossed by quarterback Thomas Castellanos.

"That's a response," Norvell said while high-fiving one of his newest weapons.

“That’s a response.”@Ducerobinson2 #NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/TuP8HJPaXe

— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) March 20, 2025

Norvell complimented Robinson and fellow wide receiver transfer, Squirrel White, for their approach on day one.

"Those guys are workers and I think the mentality that they bring, I talked a lot this offseason about edge, desperation. These are guys that want to be coached, they want to be pushed, they want to be that inspiration and to challenge others, to be challenged themselves.

Florida State returns to practice on Thursday.

---

READ MORE: Florida Gators QB takes shot at FSU Football’s stadium atmosphere

Stick with NoleGameday for more FREE coverage of Florida State Football throughout the offseason

Follow NoleGameday on and Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

More Florida State News

•  FSU Football spring tight end preview: rebuilt room isn't lacking in talent

• ESPN’s Paul Finebaum bashes FSU, Clemson in conference realignment debate

• Salary terms, contract details revealed for new FSU Basketball head coach Luke Loucks

• Transfer defensive lineman hints at injury ahead of FSU Football’s spring camp