The 30-day countdown to Week 0 has officially started.

Less than 48 hours after the ACC Kickoff, Florida State football opened preseason practice Wednesday morning.

While players were only in helmets and shoulder pads, head coach Mike Norvell said the session's focus was on energy and communication. The team started in the indoor practice facility and later moved to the adjoining practice fields.

Time will tell how this FSU team compares to last year's 13-1 squad, but Norvell knew exactly what he wanted to see from players Wednesday.

"I want to see communication. I want to see alignment, and guys being able to work to execute with tempo within offensive-defensive schemes," Norvell said. "I want to see some of the lessons that we have been taught throughout the summer applied today."

Mike Norvell is looking for young players to step up right away

The first day of practice is among the toughest for the first-year players, especially freshmen.

Wednesday was also the first time Norvell, who must replace 15 starters from last year, watched newcomers that also included transfer portal signees compete with returnees.

Both quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and receiver Malik Benson continue to build connections with each other in the passing game. Some of the notable freshmen to keep eyes on wide receiver Elijah Moore and running back Micahi Danzy.

Norvell intently watched his younger players' practice reps. Usually, it takes time to adjust to the game's tempo. However, Norvell liked how much they improved on their speed.

"I thought the guys we moved around with confidence for the first day," Norvell said.

"You know, obviously some young guys you know, still working to, to figure some things out just here at the very beginning of it that can be expected."

Norvell pointed out position competitions will become more settled when the team transitions to full pads. But he values the competition from his younger groups, such as the offensive line and cornerback positions.

"It's the first time to deal with the competitive guys having somebody lined up across from them that we've been able to be out there and coach some of those fundamentals," Norvell said.

"So a lot of good film. "I thought the guys had the right approach on your good meetings yesterday was starting it off, and then you know, obviously, jumping into today, I thought it was a good start to to our fall camp."

Florida State football schedule 2024

• Aug. 24 vs. Georgia Tech *Dublin, Ireland at noon, ESPN

• Sept. 2 vs. Boston College at 7:30 p.m., ESPN

• Sept. 14 vs. Memphis

• Sept. 21 vs. California

• Sept. 28 at SMU

• Oct. 5 vs. Clemson

• Oct. 18 at Duke

• Oct. 26 at (U) Miami

• Nov. 2 vs. North Carolina

• Nov. 9 at Notre Dame

• Nov. 23 vs. Charleston Southern

• Nov. 30: Florida

• Dec. 7:ACC Championship

BOLD = ACC

* = Neutral Site

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football coach Mike Norvell wants new players to fit in