[Editor's note: from time to time, we will revisit the past. Today, we look back seven years ago and our discussion of the spring game in 2007. We've come a long way.]
The other day we heard Sun Sports college football analyst Terry Norvelle on his new radio station (1010XL in Jacksonville where he's live
7 - 9pm weeknights) talking about FSU's spring game. The week before, Terry was on the sidelines for the Gators final scrimmage.
We asked him to expand on some of his comments and compare the two teams. FSU fans will find his answers not only interesting but downright sobering.
ChantRant: How much has the media downplayed FSU's lack of progress and spring performance?
Terry: "I can only speak for myself but what I saw from on the field at the Garnet and Gold game in terms of the offense was much more concerning than the reports I read the next day."
ChantRant: Is it true Jimbo was so unhappy with the offense he used strong language addressing the offense at halftime of the spring game?
Terry: "I was ten feet from the offense huddled around Jimbo at halftime as he addressed them. He could have filled up a thousand coloring books with the colorful language he used. Most was at the line for 'not (blocking) anyone'."
ChantRant: You called the OL "pedestrian." Do you see no real progress yet with Trickett in charge?
Terry: "The OL got beat all day. A couple of guys (Claude) may have looked thinner but they did not look physical at all. The phrase "you can't make chicken salad out of chicken ...." comes to mind. Nothing personal about the linemen. It just appears that as in years past they are very average players. I don't feel you can judge any coaches until the roster is turned around."
ChantRant: Do you feel "the light will come on" for Drew or Xavier before the season, or during?
Terry: "X looks like he has no confidence/command of the offense. Drew is Drew. An average player that would need big time playmakers and a solid line around him to be servicable."
ChantRant: How many FSU receivers did you say could start or even be second team if they were at UF?
Terry: "Fagg would come in 5th on the UF depth chart in my opinion as of today. Subject to change depending on Louis Murphy and some of the incoming freshmen at UF such as
D. Thompson."
ChantRant: So how big is the overall talent gap right now between the Noles and Gators?
Terry: "Due to UF losing 4 early off their defense and FSU only 1 it is close on defense. On offense it is as wide as the Grand Canyon in favor of UF. Shocking to see both teams from field level on back to back Saturdays.
"The issue is players not making it to FSU after signing. Over the past 5 years FSU is ranked 4th in terms of recruiting but they don't make it to the field. I did the research and you would be stunned at the 25 or so players that never made it to the field for FSU. Basically FSU gets credit for the signings in February but they don't help the team come September."
Comments? Questions? Kudos?