FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell Happy With Progress of Defensive Backfield

"Newcomers that have joined, and I mean every one of them, they're gonna play good football here at Florida State."

The Florida State Seminoles have passed the halfway mark in fall camp as they look ahead to their primetime showdown against the LSU Tigers in Orlando, Florida, less than three weeks away. 

Throughout the first 11 practices, the defense has been a highlight, with multiple takeaways occurring daily and a mix of promising newcomers and experienced veterans leading the way.

A player that coaches and teammates have been talking about and has been showing up on the practice field is defensive end Byron Turner, Jr. After practice, head coach Mike Norvell continued to emphasize his development.

"Man, he is explosive. He was one of, going back and watching the film from the scrimmage; he was one of the, I'd say, stars of the scrimmage just for how impactful he was," Norvell said. "I mean, you know, disruptive. You know, he was disruptive in the run game. He showed some explosiveness in the passing game, getting to the quarterback."

FSU Football Fall Camp Observations: Jordan Travis-Johnny Wilson Connection Highlights Wednesday

Defensive back Azareye'h Thomas saw the field last year as a true freshman and played in 11 games for the Seminoles. As successful as his freshman campaign was, Norvell said he is still making strides.

"He's taken a great jump. You see his physical development. Um, you know, he's a versatile defensive back," Norvell said. "What he does at corner, you know, he also has some ability to be able to move inside and do different things matchup-wise. He's a guy that embraces the technique and he's got the physical tools to really do some great things. I love his competitiveness."

If one thing has stood out so far, it is the freshmen class of defensive backs. Every day so far, at least one of the six taken in last year's cycle has impacted team drills. Norvell commented on the room and how well the mix of leadership is heading into the season.

"Newcomers that have joined, and I mean every one of them, they're gonna play good football here at Florida State. Some of them may be earlier as they continue to develop and grow, but it is a fun group to watch. And then you take that with the experience that we have returning. It's an old and veteran group, so it's really a good dynamic."

Norvell goes over quarterback Jordan Travis, Johnny Wilson, and more in his full interview below:

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