Florida State head coach Mike Norvell met with local media after Wednesday’s practice. Defensive lineman Kevin Wynn also spoke about this week’s upcoming game against FCS opponent Central Arkansas.
Norvell said it has been a good week of work and that players are taking ownership of the results so far.
“I expect us to play our best game,” Norvell said. “All three phases.”
He said the focus after the Alabama loss has been getting things corrected.
“A loss is a loss,” Norvell said. “Despite the flashes
and making plays early, I want this team to respond, and that will lead to wins.”
“The focus on Saturday isn’t on Central Arkansas. It’s about what I see from this team.”
He said young players who have shown it in practice will get opportunities, but the speed is different in a game.
“I expect our guys to play fundamentally sound, disciplined football,” Norvell said.
Norvell said he is looking forward to seeing the backup quarterbacks and expects them to perform when they get their chance.
On Ashton Daniels:
“He’s continuing to grow, he’s got a lot of confidence.”
“He wants to be better. … The constant push for more, you know you have the right kind of guy.”
“I feel good about Ashton. He’s continuing to make progress. Those three interceptions didn’t make him lose confidence.”
Norvell said freshman DB Jordan Crutchfield and senior DL Rylan Kennedy are expected to be available this weekend. WR Tae’Shaun Gelsey is “getting close.”
On facing his alma mater and Central Arkansas head coach Nathan Brown:
“I’m honored by what that place meant to me and how I built my career there,” Norvell said. “Nate and I have a 20-year relationship. I was happy to have him as a teammate, and I’m proud of what he’s done taking over that program. Regardless, my focus is this team.”
Wynn said the staff has taken it slow with him after last year’s injuries. He said he dropped weight this offseason.
“I feel really great,” Wynn said. “I focused on getting my metabolism back, and that allowed me to lose the weight.”
Wynn said he modeled his play after Aaron Donald because of how explosive Donald was off the line.
“I felt I played okay. I was thrilled to play in that environment (at Alabama),” Wynn said of his impactful performance amidst FSU’s subpar defensive showing last week.
Florida State (1-2) hosts Central Arkansas (2-2) at 3 p.m. Saturday on the ACC Network at a sold-out Doak Campbell Stadium.
