FSU’s Mike Norvell, Warren Thompson ‘moving forward together'

Florida State coach Mike Norvell put to rest any lingering doubts about receiver Warren Thompson’s place on the team.

A day after Thompson publicly apologized for accusing the Seminoles’ leadership of lying and jeopardizing his health amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Norvell said Thompson was still a part of the team and that they’re moving forward together.

“I love Warren,” Norvell said Monday in a Zoom session with reporters.

Thompson reached out to Norvell over the weekend. Norvell called it “a very good conversation” and said the fear of the unknown has added extra stress on players during an already trying time.

It’s especially challenging because Norvell and the Armwood High alumnus have only been together for eight months. When Norvell arrived from Memphis, Thompson wasn’t even an active member of the team.

Norvell and Thompson both made it sound as if Thompson’s concerns were because of a misunderstanding.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach Warren,” Norvell said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help him develop, and we can be part of this journey with him…

“Being part of a family, sometimes there’s bad days.”

Injury updates

Four-star quarterback Chubba Purdy will miss a few weeks with an undisclosed injury, Norvell said Monday. Purdy was a top-200 recruit from Arizona with the potential to be the Seminoles’ quarterback of the future. His absence makes it even more likely that James Blackman will remain FSU’s starter this season, unless Jordan Travis makes a strong charge.

Tight end Jordan Wilson, a grad transfer from UCLA, will miss the rest of the season with an injury. He’ll apply for a sixth year of eligibility.