Charlotte, NC – The last four years have been an interesting journey to say the least for the Florida State Seminoles. From the surprising and tense end of the Jimbo Fisher era, the rough and at times, listlessness of the Willie Taggart era, to now the Mike Norvell era, Florida State has gone through a lot in the last four years. Headed into Year Two under Norvell though, it feels like the Seminoles have the right foundation built and can now take steps in the right direction. Norvell briefly touched on that fact while addressing the media at ACC Kickoff.
“There’s been a lot of change at Florida State over the last four years,” said Norvell…We got a chance to respond to different situations.” He added, “I’m grateful for the challenge we experienced and I’m grateful for the relationships built from those challenges.”
Headed into this season, Florida State is coming off three straight losing seasons, which is a far cry from the program that once was the King of the ACC and played in 36 consecutive bowl games. Last season, everything seemed to come to a head for Florida State. They dealt with Covid-19, having to cancel games due to Covid-19, key injuries, players learning a new system and young, inexperienced players playing in key roles. The Seminoles finished with a 3-6 record with several blowout losses but also, a couple of solid victories including a major victory over then ranked 5th North Carolina. That game showcased Florida State’s potential and that perhaps, they were on the right track under Norvell.
The Seminoles are looking to capitalize on that potential and take all the lessons they learned last season and apply them to this season. Perhaps the biggest difference from this year to last year is the fact that they’ve had an offseason.
“It’s been great to get into that and the daily expectation of what’s to come,” said Norvell. “I’m grateful for this spring and everything we accomplished heading into summer and really excited for the fall.”
Florida State has several young players that now have more experience after last season, which will be an asset in Year Two under Norvell. Also, multiple players have transferred to Florida State, perhaps none more important than the transfer of former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton, who hasn’t played in game since a devastating knee injury in November 2018. Milton spoke about his journey coming back from his injury and just getting back to football.
“Yeah, it’s been a long time since November 2018,” said Milton. “Just a number of surgeries, infection in the leg, just a lot of ups and downs, a lot of ups and downs. But I’m grateful that back at UCF I had a great medical staff. I feel like the biggest moment for me where I saw, like, light at the end of the tunnel was being able to go out there and practice again last year. That was probably the most fun I had in college football. Yeah, just getting back out there with the guys. Something I won’t take for granted again.”
When Milton got injured, UCF was undefeated, had a dominant offense and was well on the way to another New Year’s Six bowl game and Milton was arguably one of the top ten quarterbacks in the country. That all ended for Milton once he got injured. However, after all of his trials and struggles recovering from the injury, he now has the chance to potentially start at quarterback for the Seminoles. His play and work ethic have impressed his coaches and teammates, including fellow quarterback Jordan Travis, who’s currently in a competition with Milton for the starting quarterback job.
“First off, I have to give a shout-out to McKenzie also,” said an impressed Travis. “That boy, he works hard every day. He’s been through a lot. I’ve been looking up to him for many years now. I’m just seeing where he came from. I’m blessed to have him here. I’m ready to get ready to work with him. If I’m next to him, if I’m behind him, I’m thankful for every opportunity I have. I’m thankful to be at Florida State.”
With the development of the Seminoles from last year, maintaining consistency under Norvell, more experience for younger guys and the addition of key transfers like Milton, Florida State has the potential to have a good season in 2021. And perhaps, get back on track, reestablish themselves as a power in both Florida and the ACC, reach the postseason and maybe surprise some people.
Florida State opens up the 2021 season against Notre Dame, at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 5th, at 7:30PM EST.
