Norvell gives details on FSU football player departures, one planned return

After seeing three more players this week either leave the team or "opt out" for the remainder of this season, Florida State football coach Mike Norvell shared his thoughts Wednesday on each departure.

During a scheduled media Zoom call, Norvell said all three situations were amicable, and he added that he expects one of those players -- running back La'Damian Webb -- to return to the team in January.

"This is a challenging time," Norvell said in reference to Webb's situation, adding that the running back had concerns about the coronavirus as a young father.

Norvell and Webb had productive conversations about the decision on Sunday and Monday, according to the head coach.

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Webb did not make clear his future intentions when he announced on social media Tuesday that he was opting out for the remainder of the season, but Norvell said he believes Webb has "all intention to return and be here in January."

The other two players -- cornerback Asante Samuel and safety/linebacker Jaiden Lars-Woodbey -- will not be returning.

Samuel, a junior who was arguably FSU's best player this season, is leaving to prepare for the NFL Draft.

"The timing for Asante is something I understand," Norvell said, adding that the defensive back will use December and January to prepare for the NFL Combine in February.

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In a normal year, the regular season would already be complete. But with the 2020 season being pushed back and then FSU scheduling two makeup games -- against Duke on Dec. 12 and Wake Forest on Dec. 19 -- Norvell said that would have hampered Samuel's preparations.

The coach described Samuel as a "phenomenal young man."

"Just grateful for who he is and the Seminole that he's been," Norvell said.

Norvell's words for Lars-Woodbey were similar, and he said timing was a factor in that decision as well. Since he is earning his bachelor's degree, Lars-Woodbey should be able to enroll at a new school in January as a graduate transfer.

*ALSO SEE: Complete breakdown of everything Norvell and players said Wednesday

The coach praised the former FSU starter for being a decorated student, for doing work in the community, and for coming back from a catastrophic knee injury in 2019.

"Jaiden is somebody that has been a remarkable Seminole," Norvell said.

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