Florida State Running Backs: 3 Key Questions for Fall Camp

Florida State running back Ousmane Kromah is positioned to command the primary rushing workload under head coach Mike Norvell as the Seminoles rebuild their backfield depth for the upcoming season, according to program evaluations heading into fall camp. Following consecutive losing seasons in Tallahassee, Norvell and offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. must stabilize a running game that heavily relied on quarterback mobility a year ago.

Ousmane Kromah Emerges as Primary Contender for RB1 Job

Florida State struggled to establish a consistent ground game last season, failing to produce a single 500-yard rusher from the running back room for the second consecutive year. According to team statistics, quarterback Tommy Castellanos led the offense in carries, yards, and touchdowns during that stretch.

Texas transfer Quintrevion Wisner brings extensive Power Four production to the roster, including a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2024 and strong pass-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus. However, Kromah enters fall camp with distinct physical advantages after logging standout efficiency as a back last season. According to team participation data, Kromah averaged 5.7 yards per carry compared to Gavin Sawchuk’s 4.5 yards per carry, finishing just under 80 yards behind Sawchuk’s total despite logging 32 fewer touches.

While Wisner provides valuable veteran experience and pass-blocking utility on third downs, Kromah’s physical progression points toward a primary role on early downs to set up new starting quarterback Ashton Daniels for manageable down-and-distance situations.

Expanded Usage of 21-Personnel Packages Under Tim Harris Jr.

Norvell and Harris plan to utilize versatile personnel groupings, leaning heavily on two-back and two-tight-end formations to maximize roster depth. According to historical playcalling data from 2020 through 2024, Norvell utilized 21 personnel nearly 11 percent of the time, ranking fourth among all Power Four programs during that span.

Harris noted ahead of fall practices that the offensive staff intends to deploy multiple running backs simultaneously, using formations that transition players from the backfield to slot receiver alignments without requiring substitutions. Wisner caught 66 passes over the past two seasons at Texas and logged 18 snaps at various receiver positions, while Kromah averaged 16.3 yards per reception on nine catches last year, including a touchdown.

The Seminoles also return dynamic receiving threats, including preseason All-ACC selection Duce Robinson and tight end Landen Thomas, creating multiple tactical pathways for the offense.

Samuel Singleton Jr. Leads Competition for the RB3 Role

Behind Kromah and Wisner, the battle for the third running back spot has centered on Samuel Singleton Jr. Following a productive spring, Singleton has added physical mass, raising his playing weight to 205 pounds after arriving on campus as a lighter 178-pound prospect.

According to team performance metrics from last season, Singleton led all Florida State running backs with 7.1 yards per carry, finishing strong by averaging nine carries and 48.3 yards across the final four games of the season. Additional depth pieces in the room include Florida Atlantic transfer Gemari Sands, redshirt sophomore Zay Parks, and true freshman Amari Thomas.

Frequently Asked Questions