FSU Football Running Back Spring Preview: Who Fills Benson's Shoes In 2024?
The Florida State Seminoles are coming off a 13-1 season in which they conquered the ACC in head coach Mike Norvell's most productive year to date in Tallahassee. A major reason that can be attributed to Norvell's success is his offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and running backs coach David Johnson's ability to identify and bring in undervalued talent through the transfer portal while also having attaining skilled high school prospects.
Last year's multi-pronged rushing attack featured Trey Benson and Lawrance Toafili. The combination helped change the pace of one of the most explosive offenses in the country. While Benson is headed to the NFL, the Seminoles return with Toafili, Samuel Singleton, Caziah Holmes, and a running back room packed with potential for the 2024 season.
Departures:
Trey Benson (NFL), Rodney Hill (transfer), and CJ Campbell (transfer).
Returners:
Redshirt senior Lawrance Toafili, redshirt senior Caziah Holmes, and redshirt freshman Samuel Singleton, Jr.
Florida State returns 704 of its running back rushing yards (36.7%) and six running back rushing touchdowns (27.2%) from last season.
New Additions:
Alabama transfer Roydell Williams, Indiana transfer Jaylin Lucas, and four-star prospect Kam Davis
Williams rushed 111 times for 560 yards with five touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 58 yards and another touchdown during his fourth year at Alabama.
Lucas rushed 67 times for 275 yards and two touchdowns while catching 34 passes for 247 yards and two more scores at Indiana last season.
Davis spent his prep career as a quarterback but he was injured for much of his senior season. He completed 27/40 passes for 403 yards with four touchdowns to zero interceptions while rushing 14 times for 125 yards and a score for Dougherty High School.
Projected Spring Depth Chart:
Running Back:
- Caziah Holmes, RS Sr.
- Roydell Williams, RS Sr.
- Kam Davis, Fr.
Tailback:
- Lawrance Toafili, RS Sr.
- Jaylin Lucas, Jr./Samuel Singleton, RS Fr.
Spring Outlook:
Toafili is a dynamic back who can line up in the slot in the passing game. The proof of his skill set was reiterated during FSU's ACC Championship win over Louisville last season, lining up in the wildcat and catching passes out of the backfield. He's a lock for the lead tailback position heading into spring, having finished with 649 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns while splitting reps with Benson a year ago.
Holmes returns for his third season with the 'Noles. The 5'11'', 215-pound back amassed 185 yards and two touchdowns on the ground with 58 yards and another two scores through the air in 2023. He sat out his first year helping mostly with the scout team after transferring from Penn State appearing in all 14 games last season with one start.
With such a top-heavy running back room, Singleton worked with the scout team before making his way into the depth chart late during his freshman year. He took a redshirt in 2023 and participated in two games, totaling 56 yards on eight carries.
A part of a six-player Alabama transfer haul Williams brings experience and a light-footed running style and will likely be in the top running for replacing Benson. Spring will help to get the 5'10'', 215-pound Hueytown, AL back, who is nearly identical physically to Benson, ready and while his five touchdowns and 560 yards last season aren't as impressive, he makes a strong case to take his game to the next level with a big offseason.
Davis was a key part of holding the class of 2024 together and never wavered off his commitment to the 'Noles. Expected to be a true foundation to the room he already has the size to make an immediate impact this year and can hone his chops this offseason. He was ranked as the No. 11 running back in his class heading into college.
One of the more intriguing pickups from the NCAA Transfer Portal was Lucas, an All-American honored punt returner who has shown the ability to change games on special teams. For now, It seems he will be primarily a returner while taking intermediate reps behind Toafili given what the situation calls for. Florida State will be looking to replace Keon Coleman as a difference maker in the return game and Lucas could be the guy who fits the bill.
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