Florida State HC Mike Norvell comments publicly on decision to suspend DJ Uiagalelei

Florida State football is navigating into a new chapter for the 2024 season. Players such as Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson, Jaheim Bell, Keon Coleman, Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Fabien Lovett Sr., Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green, and Akeem Dent are no longer suiting up in garnet and gold.

The coaching staff brought in several newcomers including quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The former Clemson and Oregon State transfer has had an up-and-down collegiate career. His biggest shortcoming has been the short to intermediate accuracy of the football.

The Seminoles added running backs via the transfer portal such as Alabama’s Roydell Williams and Indiana’s Jaylin Lucas. Plus, they acquire offensive linemen like Alabama’s TJ Ferguson and Florida’s Richie Leonard IV. They will be pivotal if Florida State wants to get back to their bread and butter of running the football.

Head football coach Mike Norvell has centered his offensive scheme around the idea of running the football. If the Seminoles can have success with emphasizing the running game, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei could have some successful passing lanes.

Norvell brought up Florida’s Richie Leonard IV after Monday’s practice where he stated that the Florida transfer looks really good up front. It is important to note that Leonard IV started all twelve games with the arch-rival Gators.

He was one of the bright spots for the struggling Gators team that could not even make a bowl game. The Seminoles are having to replace pieces such as Casey Roddick and D’Mitri Emmanuel. Offensive coordinator/offensive line Alex Atkins has one of the more experienced position units in the country.

Having Leonard IV in the rotation, the Seminoles can rely on their counter-run game with guards who can effectively pull and reach the second level. Miami could be shaking in their shoes given that Florida State ran counter time and time again in the blowout matchup against the Hurricanes in 2022.

I am excited about how Leonard IV will gel in the offensive line this season for the Seminoles.

. (WCTV) – The Florida State football team continues their work to prepare for their season opener against Georgia Tech, and a guy who’s been putting in a lot of work since he arrived this spring? DJ Uiagalelei, the presumed starting quarterback, continues to earn the praise of his teammates and coaches as fall camp continues.

It’s not just on the field either, as Uiagalelei has undoubtedly made a mark on his younger teammates, sharing his experiences with them, being a positive role model, and the hope is that his hard work makes everyone better.

“He prepares at an elite level. His approach is unbelievable. It’s something we were obviously hoping for bringing him in. Super mature. Constantly in the film room, film junkie and its important to him. This is what he wants to do and it shows.”

Florida State opens the season Saturday, August 24th.