Mike Norvell praises defense, talks FSU quarterback competition after Seminoles’ second scrimmage
TALLAHASSEE, FL - MARCH 13: Head Coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles during Spring Football Practice at the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility on the campus of Florida State University on March 13, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) | Getty Images Florida State football ran its second scrimmage of the spring on Saturday, a day that head coach Mike Norvell said was won by the defense.
“I thought the defense built off of what they showed there on Thursday — [they] had a really good practice Thursday, and carried that over in the scrimmage, started fast, were able to create havoc there, starting on the defensive front. I thought the D-line played was probably as impactful as what they’ve been throughout spring. You really felt their presence, defense came out, was playing fast, was able to create some takeaways.
” Edge rusher Rylan Kenned was one of the standouts, , recording a sack and an interception after dropping into coverage in a pressure scheme. Norvell said Kennedy had taken significant strides over the previous week and that his athleticism and versatility were part of what made the staff excited when he arrived. “He was actually the one that had the interception,” Norvell said.
“You saw his athleticism, his range, the versatility of things that he can do in this defense. ” The linebackers also drew praise. Norvell cited freshman Karon Maycock and Noah LaVallee as players who had shown well early in spring, and said veterans Omar Graham Jr.
and Blake Nichelson were flying around. Linebacker Chris Jones was limited Saturday but had done strong work throughout camp, he said. Norvell also said Mikai Gbayor would miss the remainder of spring, though he did not anticipate the injury affecting Gbayor’s availability heading into fall camp.