Florida State has a reputation for not developing high school players under Mike Norvell, though most of the staff is relatively new now, and that doesn’t apply to them. However, that perception still lingers because Mike Norvell is the head coach.
There’s some truth to the narrative, but I’d argue one of the biggest contributors to that is the lack of patience with today’s young players. Former FSU linebacker DeMarco Ward, who left FSU after two seasons, is a prime example. Ward left FSU and transferred to Memphis for the 2025 season.
He finished the 2025 season with 63 tackles, two interceptions, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one QB hurry.