Take your pick on which Florida State running back has been impressive during fall camp.
It’s almost hard to pick because the majority of them have stood out in the five practices.
In today’s game, there is no need to use one back when teams can use multiple backs at a time. It has been working for the Seminoles as they have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Cam Akers in 2019.
Why is that?
With the level of depth in a crowded running back room, FSU’s running backs coach, David Johnson shared his thoughts this year’s group and the mindset heading into the 2024 season.
“At the end of the day, we got to be the smartest guys to deal with,” Johnson said. “We got to be smart, play fast, play physical and have a mindset of finishing. I think they are doing a good job of that and they keep competing.”
The Seminoles are no strangers to utilizing multiple backs. Johnson, who is in his fifth season with the program, and Mike Norvell found ways to use at least more than three backs based on each player’s strengths.
“We find out what you do well,” Johnson said. “We’re going to put you in positions that will help you. That’s one of the biggest things when stars come to shine.”
Johnson expects to run the football more and play at least five players this season. He also praised the offensive line, as the Seminoles returned three of their five starters from last season.
“They are huge,” Johnson said.
“We have the ability to run the football more this year, but the O-line is really smart. You got some of the veteran guys from other guys that understand what’s going on. Coach (Alex) Atkins has been pushing them. We’re looking forward to it.”
Lawrence Toafili, Roydell Williams, Caziah Holmes sticking together
The senior trio of Lawrence Toafili, Roydell Williams and Caziah Holmes are almost unmatched.
Johnson pointed out that in every practice, the three are always together.
Toafili, who rushed for 1,439 career yards and 12 career touchdowns, is the back who everyone turns to the most as he enters his fifth season.
Johnson described the senior as a culture builder, recalling him and former running back Jashaun Corbin establishing a culture here from the beginning.
“I think L.T. has done a great job of setting up this culture, and Jashaun Corbin helped L.T. set it,” Johnson said. “They are going to come to a room where they are going to be pushed and held accountable.”
Williams, an Alabama transfer, didn’t waste any time stepping into the leadership role after enrolling at FSU. He knew that being a Seminole was the right fit for him. He enjoys being part of the backfield, which has a lot to offer to the offense.
“I would say we have a balance of speed, explosion of power and being able to catch out of the backfield,” Williams said. “It’s a special group, and I appreciate every last one of those guys in that room because of the way they come in and work.”
Holmes will be entering his second year with the Seminoles after appearing in 14 games, averaging 6.4 yards a carry and scoring two touchdowns along with his 185-yard rushing. Johnson also expects Holmes to contribute more on special teams.
“A lot of people don’t understand about him that he can do it all, and I am preaching to him about the importance of special teams,” Johnson said.
“Being a running back at the next level, that’s what you have to do to contribute. and they take on that role and understand that. I think Caziah can do a lot for us.”
David Johnson is surprised by the freshmen running backs
The freshmen are earning their stripes, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Johnson has been impressed by the competitiveness of freshmen who are proving what they can bring in the backfield.
Micahi Danzy has been a standout since he enrolled over the summer. Although Danzy was clocked at 21-mph on his practice GPS, his toughness is underrated. Despite his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame, he doesn’t shy away from running against inside defenders.
Johnson compared the Florida High grad to Toafili and believes he could be better than the senior he was.
“He’s a lot faster than L.T., and he’s a lot stronger and stays on him,” Johnson said. “That’s really good for me and good for the from.” He’s going to be a surprise for us.”
Kam Davis is the biggest back of the group at 5-foot-10, 225 pounds. Johnson described him as a perfectionist because of his execution.
Johnson compared the former four-star back to Williams because of his physicality and how smart he is, as he mentioned his quarterback background back at Dougherty High in Albany, Georgia
Johnson wants him to continue to adjust to playing with a protected offensive line.
“He is extremely strong,” Johnson said.
“Normally, you don’t get a freshman that is built like that. One that helped him is that he might’ve played quarterback back in high school.
“He takes a lot of hits and a lot of pounding. He is getting used of the protection and things like that.”
Samuel Singleton Jr. is the redshirt freshman who has been under Johnson’s radar. Singleton, who showed some flashes whenever his name was called, appeared in two games for the Seminoles.
“Sam is the quiet one, but he’s really tough,” Johnsonson said. “He understands the offense and what is going on.”
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Aug. 24 vs. Georgia Tech *Dublin, Ireland at noon., ESPN
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Sept. 2 vs. Boston College at 7:30 p.m., ESPN
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Sept. 14 vs. Memphis
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Sept. 21 vs. California
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Sept. 28 at SMU
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Oct. 5 vs. Clemson
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Oct. 18 at Duke
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Oct. 26 at (U) Miami
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Nov. 2 vs. North Carolina
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Nov. 9 at Notre Dame
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Nov. 23 vs. Charleston Southern
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Nov. 30: Florida
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Dec. 7: ACC Championship
BOLD = ACC
* = Neutral Site
Peter Holland…
Tallahassee Democrat
