It has been a nightmare season for Florida State at running back, with four notable injuries, five players getting a chunk of carries, and one dismissal. Nothing about this season has been easy for the running backs, and now the team might be without the strong freshman, Amari Thomas.
Florida State began the season with a notable one-two punch of Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. The duo only played two full games together before Singleton suffered what has effectively been a season-ending injury. Kromah carried the room for most of the season, with some help from Tre Wisner, before being carted off the field against Miami.
Wisner suffered an injury against Clemson, but still managed to suit up for the following game against Boston College. The running back played just a handful of snaps before exiting the game, forcing Thomas into the starting role.
Thomas entered the season as a player who likely was not going to see the field much, if at all, considering the depth at the position. However, the injury to Kromah in particular forced Thomas to grow up quickly and prepare for in-game action.
Thomas left the game against Pitt after limping off the field, and fifth-string running back Zay Parks took over after the Seminoles suffered a fourth injury at the position. Parks looks solid carrying the football, and with enough practice with the first team, he could step into the role and find success if needed.
It has been a very difficult season at the position for the Seminoles, and there are limited options for interim coach Rick Stockstill moving forward.
What should Florida State do if another injury occurs at running back?
With the hope of a return for Singleton dwindling and the possibility of Thomas missing time, Florida State may need to go down an unconventional route. Parks is a solid player, but there is a reason why he has been buried on the depth chart, and the Seminoles need someone to assist him.
One of the best options could be wide receiver Micahi Danzy, who would be a dangerous player to utilize for sweeps and even screens. Danzy did briefly appear in such a role against Pitt, but if Thomas misses time, it could benefit Florida State to work in Danzy in that role more.
Danzy is quick and elusive, and the receiver needs very little time to reach his top speed. He doesn't need to be the sixth-string running back for Florida State, but he could become a versatile gadget player who helps take some of the pressure off Parks moving forward.
There is also another option for Florida State, and it would involve feeding the football to Parks, much like the team did with Thomas. Parks is someone who has stuck with the team even during some of the most difficult losing seasons in recent program history. He may not have earned a solid role on the team the traditional way this season, but Florida State needs someone to step up, and Parks doing so would be the most efficient option.
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