RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesMike Norvell's return to the play-calling seat for Florida State football has excited tight ends coach Chris Tomsen.
While the Seminoles will keep certain concepts from the offense run under Gus Malzahn, especially with Tim Harris Jr. elevated to offensive coordinator, Norvell's use of the position group could open up a few more explosive plays in Tomsen's eyes.
It's a system that he said will benefit his versatile tight end group, and one he told his unit they should be excited to play in.
"I told my guys, 'If y'all don't want to play in this offense, just go," Tomsen said. "It's the best system for a tight end to get down the seam and make big plays."
Tomsen said he's already seen some explosive plays from his unit in the first two days of practice. While it's a small sample size, it does show a schematic change for the program. Under Malzahn, tight end Randy Pittman Jr. was a weapon, but he was primarily used in shorter yardage routes across the middle of the field.
Those concepts will likely still be in the playbook, but the likes of Landen Thomas, Desiro Riles and Chase Loftin could see more chances as vertical threats. Thomas had a promising freshman season in 2024, with 143 yards and a touchdown, but had an injury-filled sophomore season.
Thomas said he's been more serious in his recovery and conscious of his diet this season, which has him feeling healthier going into camp. He feels comfortable in Norvell's offense, having experienced it in 2024.
"The tight ends are used more in the passing game in Norvell's offense," Thomas said. "It's similar to what I ran in my freshman year."
He feels confident as a blocker, something Tomsen said he's improved on alongside Riles. It's an important addition to the pair's game, with Riles a confident playmaker. While at East Carolina , he recorded 45 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns in 37 games.
Riles is a player that Tomsen feels will fill the necessary roles asked of him as a tight end in the Norvell offense, be it a blocker, operating out of the backfield or in the slot. That belief isn't exclusive to just Riles, as Tomsen thinks the position group as a whole is in good shape.
"We've got guys that we feel like can go out and play the slot, also play the backfield. In reality, most of the group can do all of that, has enough versatility to do all the things," Tomsen said. "Whether it's attach, in the backfield, in the slot. Really, all of them have some element of where they can crossover and do all of those things.
That always helps you when you are trying to mix and match, and especially when you are trying to play fast."
Florida State football schedule 2026
vs. New Mexico State | Aug. 29
vs. SMU* | Sept. 7
Bye
at Alabama | Sept. 19
vs. Central Arkansas | Sept. 26
vs. Virginia* | Oct. 3
at Louisville* | Oct. 9
at Miami* | Oct. 17
Bye
vs. Clemson* | Oct. 31
at Boston College* | Nov. 7
at Pittsburgh* | Nov. 13
vs. NC State* | Nov. 21
vs. Florida | Nov. 27
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @__liamrooney .
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Why FSU football's tight ends could benefit from Mike Norvell calling plays
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