It's a make-or-break year for some of the players on the Florida State football roster. After going 2-10 last season, some of the returning starters who were part of the devastating year have yet to live up to their expectations or are coming off long-term injuries that set the team back. As the FSU enters a new chapter in Mike Norvell's sixth season with a new staff and key additions from the transfer portal, it opens an opportunity for redemption between the fall camp and Week 1 against Alabama.
Richie Leonard IV, offensive line
Offensive guard Richie Leonard IV started his first three games of the four games played before suffering a season-ending injury. The former Florida Gator was fortunate to redshirt and be granted a sixth year. With Leonard back and healthy, he'll be part of a veteran front five that is predominantly transfer portal additions. He will still have to earn back the starting job, but his starting experience can make him a leader on the offensive line.
Roydell Williams, running back
You can point out any of the running backs from last season, and you could be right because they were part of the worst rushing attack in college football. Jaylin Lucas's season was over after two games due to an injury, and Kam Davis also missed time due to his injury. However, for Roydell Williams, it is his last attempt as a six-year senior after failing to be the leading back after nearly the entire season, after starting the first three games and only rushing for 53 yards and two scores. He didn't show any flashes in his first game back against the
Florida Gators during the season finale, as he only had a negative one-yard rushing on six carries. With the new Gus Malzahn scheme and the addition of Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk and a promising freshman Ousmane Kromah to the already crowded RB room, Williams will have to fight for carries if he wants to be part of the offense.
Shyheim Brown, safety
While safety Shyheim Brown led the Seminoles with 70 tackles, it was a down year for the senior after making All-ACC in the previous season. He missed one game due to a suspension following his arrest last year on a DUI charge, first reported by Warchant TV. Brown brings seniority to the secondary and has NFL potential. Known for having a nose for the football, Brown fits well in Tony White's 3-3-5 scheme, and they hope that this year could be Brown's career-defining year.
Earl Little Jr, safety
Earl Little Jr. is still adjusting to his new position after switching from nickel to safety, and it will be intriguing to see where he fits in White's 3-3-5 scheme. The former Alabama recruit showed flashes while producing 15 tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack. Little could play a vital role in the secondary because of his versatility. He is young with plenty of time to develop into a full-time safety as he enters as a redshirt junior.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
