Florida State’s linebacker room took a hard hit Monday, and the timing could hardly be worse.
Freshmen Izayia Williams and Daylen Green are done for the season, and veteran Blake Nichelson is expected to be out for an extended stretch. That leaves the Seminoles thinner than expected at a spot that looked like a real strength when the year began, just days before they head to Alabama.
Norvell said Green’s injury came after Florida State’s loss to SMU. Williams’ situation has been a longer road, tied to the ACL tear he suffered during his senior season at Tavares High School. He missed spring practice while recovering, then made it back for preseason camp and drew notice quickly for how far along he had come.
Norvell spent much of fall camp talking up Williams, highlighting the freshman’s ability to make an early impact.
Nichelson’s absence adds another layer of concern. He was on the injury report and did not play against SMU after logging two tackles in Florida State’s season-opening win over New Mexico State. Before his senior year, he had started 16 of 37 career games and came into the season with 115 career tackles, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups.
Even with those losses, Florida State isn’t bare at linebacker. The rotation still includes Chris Jones, Caleb LaValle, Omar Graham Jr. and Mikai Gbayor, with AJ Cottrill, Karon Maycock, Noah LaValle, Brandon Torres and Trent Rogers also in the mix.
That opens the door for younger players and reserves to grab more snaps, and Norvell made it clear he sees that as part of the challenge ahead.
"With some guys going down, the opportunity for others to rise up, whether it's defensively there at linebacker, whether it's opportunities there in special teams," Norvell said. "It'll be an open-door opportunity for guys on this team and I'm excited to see them capitalize on those as they present themselves."
The Seminoles now have to sort through the depth chart fast. With three linebackers unavailable, the group’s depth and development will be tested right away when Florida State travels to face Alabama on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. in Tuscaloosa.
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