Florida State football fans hope that the 2025 squad does not have a repeat performance, as the program went 2-10 in 2024. The Seminoles want to get the bad taste out of their mouth.
For much of the offseason, the conversation has been centered around the new pieces, whether it be on the coaching staff or players. The shiny, new things are great and all, but who are some contributors from last year's team that could bounce back hugely for 2025?
Let's break it down!
DB EARL LITTLE JR.
Former Alabama defensive back transfer Earl Little Jr. has been someone that defensive coordinator Tony White has mentioned all offseason, where he referred to the talented secondary member as "Him".
That compliment shouldn't be taken lightly. I will admit that I was very high on the former four-star prospect last offseason. I drank the Kool-Aid and I fell for the trap. Little Jr. played in all twelve games as a reserve, but he only finished with 15 tackles.
He made a position switch from cornerback to safety halfway through the season, and you could see the confidence coming into play for him. With a whole offseason, I expect the defensive back to be one of the leaders on the defense.
If you are seeing this, Earl... please don't let me down. I am counting on you!
DB SHYHEIM BROWN
Redshirt senior defensive back Shyheim Brown has been one of the gems that head football coach Mike Norvell had in his recruiting cycles. There weren't many individuals who thought the former three-star prospect would be much of anything.
However, the talented safety has been a nice addition to the secondary. Much like many members of last year's squad, 2024 was supposed to be Brown's "money year". However, his draft stock fell like the season did. He led the Seminoles in total tackles (70) last year.
The Lake City, Florida, native still put up numbers, but he still didn't look like himself. If Little Jr. is back there with him at safety, I could see both of them being effective players for the Seminoles' defense.
RB JAYLIN LUCAS
I realize that former Indiana running back transfer Jaylin Lucas suffered a season-ending injury versus Boston College, which was the Seminoles' second game of the year. It was a devastating blow to an offense that lacked explosiveness.
Two of the quickest offensive assets on the team are running back Jaylin Lucas and wide receiver Micahi Danzy. Head football coach Mike Norvell needs to utilize the elite speed to the best of their abilities.
Lucas isn't your traditional running back. He can line up in the backfield, in the slot, and on the outside. Coming back from a lower-body injury is always worrisome, but if he can show that burst that made the coaching staff fall in love with him last year, the sky is the limit for him.