Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is making waves on the field and in the skies. When it comes to recruiting, he’s proving that first impressions matter. Instead of traditional travel, Norvell has been using a helicopter to make his rounds, leaving recruits and coaches in awe.
Mike Norvell’s Helicopter Flying High in Recruiting
Norvell took his recruiting efforts to another level, quite literally, by flying into multiple Tampa Bay area schools via helicopter. His high-profile entrances grabbed attention as he visited powerhouse programs like Berkeley Prep and Jesuit, both recent state champions. These stops allowed him to connect with top recruits, including standout junior athlete Dallas Golden.
Golden, a key player in Berkeley Prep’s 28-20 victory over Miami Norland in the 2023 Class 2M title game, has been on the radar of top college programs. The dynamic rusher put up an impressive 1,467 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.
His stellar performance has earned him offers from major programs like Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Miami, and Notre Dame, making him a prime target for Florida State.
Florida State football head coach Mike Norvell stopped by this afternoon to meet with head coach Matt Thompson and some of the Tigers. Several other coaches from Georgia Tech, Indiana, and Iowa also visited. Thank you coaches for the visit at Jesuit! #AMDG #GoTigers pic.twitter.com/87n296Oqav
— Jesuit Tigers Football (@JesuitTigers_FB) January 23, 2024
Norvell’s recent recruiting success in the Tampa Bay area includes securing four-star cornerback Charles Lester III of Venice for the 2024 class. His efforts have helped FSU’s recruiting class rank No. 7 nationally, a testament to his aggressive and innovative approach.
Norvell didn’t stop in Tampa. He extended his helicopter tour to Central Florida, landing at Windermere High School. He engaged with key recruits and spoke with head coach Riki Smith, whose team had an impressive 10-0 record in 2024.
A Critical Season Ahead for Mike Norvell
A year ago, Norvell was thriving, fresh off a contract extension after leading FSU to a 23-4 record over two seasons and securing its first ACC title in a decade. However, expectations crumbled in 2024 as the Seminoles suffered a disastrous 2-10 season, casting doubt on the program’s trajectory.
While some questioned whether Norvell would be fired, his hefty contract buyout ensured he stayed. Instead, FSU made drastic changes, firing both coordinators and bringing in experienced names like Gus Malzahn to bolster the staff. The adjustments have already impacted recruiting, helping salvage a class that at one point ranked in the 50s nationally.
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Looking ahead, FSU’s 2025 schedule provides a chance for redemption. If the Seminoles can enter the final stretch with a 6-2 or 5-3 record, they’ll have a shot at finishing strong despite facing tough road games against Clemson, NC State, and Florida. An 8-4 season could buy Norvell more time, while a 7-5 record might keep his seat warm, depending on how the losses play out.
Norvell’s helicopter tours may show his commitment to high-level recruiting, but ultimately, his future at FSU will be decided by results on the field. With the changes in staff and a fresh recruiting class, 2025 will be a defining season for both Norvell and the Seminoles.
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