Florida State football coach Mike Norvell discussed the progression of quarterback DJ Uiagaelelei when asked about him on day two of preseason camp Thursday.
And it was easy to read Norvell’s reaction.
“I’m excited about what we’re seeing, ” Norvell said.
Throughout the offseason after joining the Seminoles, Uiagalelei has focused on building a connection with his receivers.
Norvell pointed out how much he has worked on timing his passes and his anticipation.
“I think he located the ball well,” Norvell said. “He’s obviously continuing to push the timing with receivers, making sure everybody is on the same spot, the same point where he needs to be.”
Norvell followed up about how the Oregon State transfer is communicating and taking command of the offense. He is proud that he is improving in controlling the offense and executing plays when needed.
“He’s probably not the loudest guy in the world and not trying to do that, but when he gets on the field, you can see and hear his intent,” Norvell explained. “He is making sure that everybody’s on the same page, and he takes great ownership, and it’s something I’m proud of him doing because it takes a lot of work, especially in what we asked our quarterbacks to do. He’s really putting a lot of work in that and to be confident in the things that he is telling.”
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Last season at Oregon State, Uiagalelei threw a career-best of 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In his career, dating back to his time at Clemson, he has thrown 8,319 yards and 57 touchdowns. He entered the transfer portal after leading the Beavers to an 8-4 season and committed to the Seminoles on Jan. 1.
The biggest connection Uiagalelei has targeted is tight end Kyle Morlock. Uiagalelei has thrown a few big plays, including a touchdown to the former Division II tight end in the last two practices.
Norvell talked about the improvements Morlock has made. The redshirt senior appeared in all 14 games with 11 starts last year, hauling in 19 receptions for 255 yards. He was previously a two-time All-American at Shorter.
“Kyle is so very coachable,” Norvell said.
“He’s such a hard worker, and I think you could see the growth that he’s had through the enhanced training and belief and all the things that he’s been able to do since he’s been here.”
FSU’s starting safety, Shyheim Brown, is entering his fourth season and is realizing he is one of the veterans of the group.
For that, he looks to become active as a vocal leader on defense after an All-ACC performance last year. Brown started all 14 games, recording 53 tackles, including 2.0 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery. He recorded career-high-tying eight tackles, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry in 24-15 victory at Florida.
“I had guys going into their fifth year, sixth year, and now I’m the old guy,” Brown said.
‘You know, I’m on my fourth year, so it’s like, I gotta be vocal. I gotta make sure my team is right this year and on one page. I probably say just communicate on the field and try to help people off the field on the sideline.”
Brown is leading a young defensive back group that will likely see more action this coming season. He mentioned playing guys like Omarion Cooper, who returned to FSU after a one-year stint at Colorado, and the improvement of sophomore Conrad Hussey and freshman K.J. Kirkland as he brings up the mindset that defensive back coach Patrick Surtain Sr. brought to the DBs.
“We got a lot of depth,” Brown said. “That’s our philosophy of Coach Pat in the last few years. We want to play a lot of guys, so we’re better, and everybody got better during the offseason.”
Brown also looks forward to playing alongside his fellow corners, Fentrell Cypress II and Azareye’h Thomas. He complimented them as shutdown corners and reminded them that he was with them over the top.
“It feels good knowing that I got to lock down corners on either side I’m on that’s going to hold it down in the low medium areas,” Brown said. “I got them over the top. I tell them that every day so I just tell them be aggressive you know and just play your brand of football.”
