What Florida State coach Mike Norvell wants from his receivers

Florida State Football returned to the practice fields Sunday morning to begin a new week of practice following Saturday’s day off.

FSU coach Mike Norvell opened by discussing how his offense is still a work in progress as he continues to develop more plays and evaluate players. The Seminoles must replace seven offense starters from last season.

“We’re still installing,” Norvell said. “I found, insultingly, a couple things today that were definitely not as clean as we wanted them to be.

“I understand that you see a bit of empathy for the workload and knowledge that goes into it, especially for those newcomers who just want more. I thought they responded well.”

Norvell discussed what he expects from his wide receivers. With starting positions now open, he spoke about the level of competition and execution his receivers have yet to show.

“I like that we have some really good young players,” Norvell said. “They’re going to put themselves in a position to potentially help us this year, but you know, there’s just a lot of competition.”

At Norvell, we’re all about consistency.

He mentioned Malik Benson (13 receptions, 162 yards, one touchdown last season) and Kentron Poitier (6 receptions, 136 yards last season) and how impressive they have been in recent days of training camp.

He was asked about the progress of sophomore receiver Hykeem Williams. Williams is expected to play a larger role in FSU’s offense. He appeared in four games and had five catches, 80 yards and a touchdown.

“I think he’s close,” Norvell said. “And then he played last year as a freshman, so it was like, but it’s like you’re ready to give everything you can in a consistent manner.

“Even if something doesn’t go, maybe not the way you want it to go, or it’s a bad play, where does it go, and what does the reaction look like? I see some positive steps from him.”

FSU DB Omarion Cooper Opens Up About Returning to Florida State

Defensive back Omarion Cooper’s return to FSU felt more like a homecoming. When he re-entered the transfer portal after his one-year stint at Colorado, he knew all along that returning to FSU was the right choice.

“I knew where my home was, and I knew where the right program that was right for me was,” Cooper said.

The Lehigh Acres native played his two years at FSU before entering the transfer portal for the first time to consider his options. As a Seminole, he totaled 30 tackles, four pass deflections and three interceptions.

During his time at Colorado, he started eight of nine games. He recorded 37 tackles, two tackles for loss and five pass breakups. He also recorded a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Cooper is entering his senior season and will be part of a strong secondary that returns their top two corners in Fentrell Cypress II and Azareye’h Thomas, along with All-ACC safety Shyheim Brown. What Cooper brings to the table is versatility and he is willing to play any position in the secondary.

“I’m a guy that can play any position,” Cooper said. “I just worked hard at it and wherever I need to be, it fits.”