Mike Norvell’s FSU Football has a hectic schedule ahead, starting on Aug. 30 against Alabama. With the season opener so close, the last thing FSU needs is a chink in its armor. Unfortunately, that is what Tony White, the defensive coordinator of the team, is seeing.
The Seminoles had their second preseason scrimmage on Sunday, Aug. 10. And what White saw from his team is concerning, to say the least. However, the 46-year-old didn’t go easy on the players, giving brutal criticism publicly.
“There are some guys who showed, guys who are building the coach’s trust and the confidence of their teammates,” White said. “And there are some guys who need to, quite frankly, step their a*s up.”
White pointed out that his players are not meeting the standards of the Seminoles. He outlined how some players still don’t understand what’s expected from them, and it’s disappointing to witness.
“It’s unacceptable. We all need to make sure we are all on the same page and we understand what’s asked of us and what the expectations are,” he said. “Either guys do it or they don’t, and it’s not right if you don’t.”
“There’s some guys who need to, quite frankly, step their ass up. It’s unacceptable.” – Florida State Defensive Coordinator Tony White
The Seminoles open the season at home against Alabama in 18 days. pic.twitter.com/8ivE4WxTbQ
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) August 12, 2025
Without taking any names, White praised some of his players who showed dedication and gave their 100% during the scrimmage. He claimed that they played hard, fast, and physical, and that it was fun to watch them make plays.
Once again, without pointing fingers directly at individuals, White said that there’s another group that’s not showing complete dedication on the ground. He stated that they’re not doing what they’re expected and taught to do, and that’s why they won’t play.
So, there seems to be a total crackdown on the lack of effort being put in by some players on the Seminoles. With less than three weeks to go for the Bama game, the FSU coaches don’t want to take any risk, especially considering their past failures.
Mike Norvell heaped praise on Squirrel White
Squirrel White, who transferred from Tennessee earlier this year after two seasons with the Volunteers, is now fully recovered from his injury. While speaking to the media on August 10th, Mike Norvell praised Squirrel White and claimed that he’s not being held back by his past injury anymore.
“Yeah, you can see the confidence he’s playing with. I don’t think anything’s holding him back from the previous injury,” Norvell said. “He’s definitely playing fast and put that on display tonight. I like his attitude and mindset. He’s making plays when he gets his opportunities.”
Mike Norvell said that the wide receiver showed positive signs during the scrimmage, made some impressive plays, and helped quarterback Thomas Castellanos with a touchdown. Even if the overall report on White is positive, the Seminoles still have plenty to worry about.
Based on the criticism coming from their defensive coordinator, they still don’t have a complete team. But one positive amid all this is that Florida has the right talent. The coaches just need to figure out how to put them all in order on the ground.
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