BREAKING: FSU Football Lands Florida Gators Offensive Line Transfer
Florida State is establishing depth on its offensive line following a season where the group was banged up from week to week. The Seminoles have a veteran unit coming back to Tallahassee but there is a clear need for depth if the coaching staff is going to hold things together throughout a deep run.
On Saturday, FSU landed another piece to the puzzle as Florida offensive line transfer Richie Leonard IV announced his commitment to the program. A graduate transfer with one season of eligibility remaining, Leonard IV brings a wealth of experience after starting all 12 games at left guard for the Gators in 2023.
The Florida native spent four years in Gainesville under former head coach Dan Mullen and current head coach Billy Napier. He appeared in 31 games, with 14 starts, and earned his bachelor's degree over the summer. Leonard IV's 775 offensive snaps this past season were nearly double the amount of time that he'd seen the field in previous years.
Leonard IV is expected to contribute along the interior at Florida State. After losing starting guards, D'Mitri Emmanuel and Casey Roddick, the Seminoles will be able to interchange Keiondre Jones, Terrence Ferguson II, Darius Washington, and Leonard IV at the spot.
The 6-foot-2, 320-pound offensive lineman was regarded as the No. 770 overall prospect, the No. 48 OG, and the No. 102 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2020 class according to 247Sports.
Florida State adds Leonard to a room that includes redshirt senior Darius Washington, redshirt senior Jeremiah Byers, redshirt senior Maurice Smith, redshirt senior Robert Scott, redshirt senior Keiondre Jones, redshirt junior Bryson Estes, redshirt sophomore Terrence Ferguson II, redshirt sophomore Jaylen Early, redshirt sophomore Julian Armella, redshirt freshman Lucas Simmons, and redshirt freshman Andre' Otto, among others.
Leonard is the 13th transfer to join the Seminoles since December. The program has also added former Georgia defensive end Marvin Jones Jr, former Oregon State/Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, former LSU wide receiver Jalen Brown, former Alabama cornerback Earl Little Jr., former Colorado State defensive tackle Grady Kelly, former Indiana running back Jaylin Lucas, former Miami defensive back Davonte Brown, former Alabama wide receiver Malik Benson, former West Virginia defensive end Tomiwa Durojaiye, former Oregon State defensive end Sione Lolohea, former Alabama offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson II, and former Alabama running back Roydell Williams over the last few weeks.
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