Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has had tremendous success in the transfer portal during his time with the Seminoles. With all but one of the program’s 10 2024 NFL Draft selections all spending time with a previous program before transferring to FSU.
On paper Norvell has done it again with another signing class out of the portal that has plenty of potential, headlined by former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Who Seminole fans are hoping can maintain the high standard set at the position by Jordan Travis. Who also transferred into the program, lead Florida State to a conference title, and now has his name etched all over the school’s record books.
Travis has been under center for the Seminoles for the entirety of Norvell’s tenure in Tallahassee, and was recently asked about the adjustment with a new quarterback who hasn’t been with the team since day one.
“I mean still as you go through the the offseason program it’s still about building each player that’s joining the program and then working to put them in the best position to go play to the best of their ability. And it’s been a lot of fun with DJ to see his investment, the work,” Norvell said.
Uiagalelei’s three seasons at Clemson had it’s ups and downs, but last season with the Beavers he threw for a career-high 2,638 yards with 27 total touchdowns between the air and the ground. Likely returning to the ACC with more confidence and a skillset to potential flourish in Florida State’s system.
“He’s picked up the offense and the things that we’ve asked him to do at a very rapid pace,” Norvell said. “And obviously it’s exciting to see how that gels with everybody that we have because each year will be different and I think that’s just part of the process. I’ve had to do it before within within my coaching career as well but I’m excited about what DJ brings.”
Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has been with Norvell at FSU since day one, with the Seminoles’ offense leading the ACC in scoring the last two seasons since his promotion from offensive line coach to play caller. And it will be fascinating to see how the unit looks the same or different next season with a new quarterback leading the charge for the first time since 2019.
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