Florida State football is off to a rough start in the 2024 season, with back-to-back losses against Georgia Tech and Boston College. This is far from the expectation fans had for a team projected to win the ACC and possibly contend for a College Football Playoff spot. The early struggles have caused frustration within the fan base, particularly surrounding some key players and coaching decisions.
One player who is under pressure to turn things around is tight end Kyle Morlock. The former Division II transfer came to Florida State with high expectations but has struggled to live up to them, dropping three passes in the first two games. This has been a surprising development for Morlock, who had a strong 2023 campaign and was expected to be a reliable target in the Seminoles’ offense this season.
Florida State recently released their depth chart for their upcoming game against Memphis, and to the frustration of some fans, there were no significant changes. Head coach Mike Norvell is known for maintaining consistency in his lineups, opting not to make drastic changes after just two games. This includes keeping quarterback DJ Uiagalelei in the starting role, despite calls for backup Brock Glenn to get more snaps.
UPDATE: FSU football released its projected depth chart versus Memphis.
-Takeaways:
•Hopefully, this means that WR Hykeem Williams will play after missing the first two games.
•Jeremiah Byers is listed as the starting RT.
It’s time to get on the win column! 😤 #GoNoles pic.twitter.com/4QeSZl9yjV
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) September 9, 2024
However, all eyes are on Morlock, who remains a crucial piece in Norvell’s two-tight-end offensive scheme. With younger talents like Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams waiting in the wings, Morlock knows that his snaps could diminish if his struggles continue. The tight end position plays an integral role in FSU’s offense, serving as a key component in both the passing and run-blocking game.
Morlock’s chance to bounce back comes this weekend against Memphis. He had a solid fall camp and showed why the coaching staff trusts him to make an impact. Standing 6’6″, Morlock is a physical presence who can be a valuable target for Uiagalelei (or Glenn) in critical situations, especially when they need to convert on third down or in the red zone.
The Memphis game presents the perfect opportunity for Morlock to turn his season around. If he can recapture his form from last year, he could become the offensive weapon FSU desperately needs to right the ship. With two straight losses, Florida State cannot afford another misstep, and a strong performance from Morlock could be key to getting the Seminoles back on track.
