Interviews: Mike Norvell, Alex Atkins, John Papuchis, Adam Fuller talk first FSU football scrimmage

FLORIDA STATE — Florida State Seminoles football took the field for its first scrimmage of the fall on Saturday, using the night to gauge the progress the Seminoles have made since spring camp concluded. Through the first week of practice, an elevated level of intensity, physicality, and depth was on display — leading to an increase in quality and competition across the board. Just throwing on full pads (as the Seminoles did for the first time on Tuesday) helps separate significant progress from incremental, going scrimmage speed helps give a benchmark on where the team stands and further begins the acclimation process as FSU ramps up to its season opener vs. the Duquesne Dukes on August 27. Head coach Mike Norvell, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins, special teams coordinator and defense ends coach John Papuchis and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller all spoke with the media following Saturday’s scrimmage, offering takeaways, thoughts, and insight on the team’s performance. Norvell was pleased by effort from the team. He mentioned the improvement from guys like receiver Deuce Spann and linebacker Tatum Bethune, also the grit and grind from all the players. “I thought tonight was a good first scrimmage. We got in a little over a hundred plays...we got some live special teams to work which is something we wanted to be able to introduce more. I thought there was some really good work that was shown there.” “It was a good back and forth — I thought our first defense really flew around to the ball. Made some good plays. I thought it was a good balance.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices