TALLAHASSEE — It’s mid-September. Seminoles defensive coordinator Tony White shouldn’t be mentioned as a hot prospect for head coach jobs at this point.
However, his coaching, and Florida State’s defensive improvement, means he’s earned it.
UCLA fired DeShaun Foster after an 0-3 start on Sunday. ESPN.com and other news outlets have White, a 2002 UCLA graduate, as among the top candidates.
White’s resume is impressive. Nebraska’s rush defense was in the top 10 in 2023 and ’24. FSU’s defense is dramatically improved in White’s multiple 3-3-5 scheme. Seminoles coach Mike Norvell says it comes with the job: Coordinators whose offenses or defenses perform at a high level will be pursued.
“I want to be a part of their growth,” Norvell said. “I want to be a part of their improvement, enjoyment of what this profession is and how we get to do it. … I’m here to support all of our staff in that, and when you do a good job, your name will be out there, rumors of (jobs).”
It’s not autumn until Monday. But White will face a fall full of questions and perhaps an interview at UCLA (or other jobs).
As the No. 7 Seminoles (2-0) return to the field against Kent State (1-2) on Saturday after a bye week, here are three FSU storylines to watch.
As offensive players recover from injuries, how is playing time distributed?
FSU’s depth chart this week does not include tight end Randy Pittman or running back Roydell Williams.
Pittman had his left knee wrapped on the sideline in FSU’s last game against East Texas A&M, and Norvell has indicated the UCF transfer wouldn’t be out long. Without Pittman, FSU coaches list Markeston Douglas, Amaree Williams and Landen Thomas in co-starter roles. Expect each to log considerable snaps.
FSU will also lean on Gavin Sawchuk, Jaylin Lucas and Ousmane Kromah in a running-back-by-committee approach. The ground attack has been efficient in accumulating 591 rushing yards in two games, and the Seminoles face a favorable matchup against Kent State’s 113th-ranked rush defense (175.7 yards per game).
Norvell also said he’s “hopeful” receiver Lawayne McCoy will play against Kent State. McCoy has been sidelined due to an injury in preseason camp. Starting receiver Squirrel White, who was injured in FSU’s second game, remains questionable.
Who is FSU’s No. 2 quarterback?
Norvell has praised true freshman Kevin Sperry, who completed 4 of 5 passes for 61 yards and ran for 22 yards in his FSU debut when the Seminoles routed East Texas A&M on Sept. 6. Sperry was first off the bench in the blowout win, with redshirt sophomore Brock Glenn seeing action in a few drives, Glenn went 3 for 3 for 56 yards, including a passing touchdown, and 10 rushing yards.
Glenn missed both of FSU’s preseason camp scrimmages due to injury, so Sperry had more reps with the No. 2 offense. For now, Sperry appears to be the backup. But it remains a question about who, if needed, would back up Tommy Castellanos.
Is FSU’s schedule a mix of top teams and struggling opponents?
FSU has upset then No. 8 Alabama, and the Seminoles will potentially face a top-10 opponent in Miami on Oct. 4. And while nobody will dismiss the rivalry games, Florida and Clemson each are now unranked.
The Seminoles are just two games into a very odd schedule. They will face three teams with interim head coaches — Kent State’s Mark Carney, Stanford’s Frank Reich and Virginia Tech’s Philip Montgomery. Florida’s Billy Napier is also squarely on the hot seat.
FSU’s schedule will get tougher very soon. But there are some games against teams in transition, too.
