Florida State switched things up with its first scrimmage of the spring on Thursday, giving head coach Mike Norvell and his staff an early glimpse into where the team sits after putting four practices in the books.

“I thought it was a good opportunity for guys to see exactly where they are,” he said following the scrimmage, noting that it was the earliest he’s held one in spring.

“No coaches, no extra assistance, having to go out there and communicate, operate, understand the play that you have but also know the details and fundamentals.”

“For the most part, I thought the guys did a really good job of understanding. It was a lot better than what I really expected.”

With ACC referees in attendance to emphasize a need for mindful reps, the coach said “there a few focus penalties, things that showed up” that will be targeted as the team moves to a more cohesive place.

“In the understanding of what to do, we’ve got to continue to improve on how to do. The techniques and the fundamentals, some things with our footwork, our eyes — those are all things that we get an opportunity go and get better.”

The offense, in Norvell’s eyes, missed a few opportunities (“throws we’d definitely like to have back, missed opportunities where we had a chance to finish a play but didn’t”) but still managed to execute on some big plays, saying running back Kam Davis and wide receiver Malik Benson both found the endzone while also namedropping running back Caziah Holmes.

The offensive line, in Norvell’s eyes, did a solid job while the staff mixed things up with a variety of personnel groupings. Speaking on his quarterback room, he offered some high praise for early-enrollee Luke Kromenhoek, calling his performance “outstanding” for a first-time out.

Speaking on the defense, Norvell said the linebackers have “been one of the pleasant surprises to start the spring,” complimenting DJ Lundy for looking “like what we needed him to look like” in a veteran role.

Byron Turner, Sione Lolohea, Marvin Jones Jr., Tomiwa Durojaiye, Darrell Jackson and Pat Payton, who had a sack, were pinpointed when talking about the defensive front, who Norvell said “did a really solid job” while making the same caveat that there are fundamentals and finer details still deserving of polishing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices