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FSU football: Will Khalan Laborn reach his full potential in 2020?

By Kelvin Hunt

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Runningback Khalan Laborn #4 of the Florida State Seminoles on a running play during the game against the Alabama State Hornets at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 16, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated The Hornets 49 to 12. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Runningback Khalan Laborn #4 of the Florida State Seminoles on a running play during the game against the Alabama State Hornets at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 16, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Seminoles defeated The Hornets 49 to 12. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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FSU football has a lot of questions at the running back position. They’ll all be answered if Khalan Laborn can reach his full potential.

FSU football lost 63 percent of its rushing attack when Cam Akers was selected by the LA Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft a few months ago.

Akers had been a one-man wrecking crew behind a sub-par offensive line and mediocre QB play the past three years.

The lack of depth at the position showed when walk-on players had to assume starter duties in the Sun Bowl against Arizona State at the end of the year.

The depth issue has been addressed, but the question of who’ll become THE guy in the backfield for Mike Norvell remains. Of course, we know multiple running backs will get carries, and historically, Mike Norvell usually leans on two running backs to carry the load.

One of those guys with the most potential is former five-star running back

Khalan Laborn

. Laborn has battled injuries and discipline issues since arriving on campus with the 2017 recruiting class. The same class as Cam Akers I might add, but 2020 could be his moment to seize the opportunity should be put it all together.

Laborn saw limited action last season, totaling 297 rushing yards on 63 carries with four touchdowns. He only saw double-digit carries in two games (Syracuse and Alabama State), and only totaled six or more carries two other times.

I must say, I was surprised when looking at the highlights from last season, especially someone coming off a devastating leg injury from the previous season.

Laborn displays good vision in the highlight clip while running with power and is decisive in getting upfield without a bunch of dancing around. However, his ability to put his foot in the ground and cut back against a defender is elite. He’s also adept at catching the ball out of the backfield, totaling 10 receptions for 66 yards in 2019.

I wasn’t sure if Laborn would still be here after missing the bowl game. However, by all accounts, he has put in the work on and off the field, and his skill set could flourish in Mike Norvell’s offense.

Next. Ranking Top FSU Running Backs Of Last Decade. dark

All he has to do is stay healthy and continue the mindset of the past few months, and FSU could have one of the better running backs in the ACC.

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