Florida State has had some dynamic running backs in the Seminoles' program history, such as Warrick Dunn, Dalvin Cook, Devonta Freeman, Trey Benson, Cam Akers, Greg Jones, Leon Washington, Travis Minor, Amp Lee, Sammie Smith, Greg Allen, and many more.
The Seminoles could not get anything going this year on the ground as they ranked as one of the worst rushing offenses in the country for the 2024 season. The pairing of Kameron Davis and Lawrance Toafili was solid, but it wasn't a can't-miss performance.
The coaching staff was high on the running backs coming into the year, as they had Lawrance Toafili, Roydell Williams, Jaylin Lucas, Caziah Holmes, Samuel Singleton Jr., Kameron Davis, and Micahi Danzy. However, it fell flat on their face as the offense could not generate any explosive plays.
In an offense that was deemed as "Built for Playmakers," it was thought that the running back position was the least of the worries. However, the position group under assistant coach David Johnson looks brighter now with four-star signee Ousmane Kromah, who flipped from Georgia. Plus, there is a veteran transfer option that could be visiting soon.
One running back that the coaching staff decided to transfer in the offseason was talented back Rodney Hill. The youngster had 77 carries for 334 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the Seminoles. He was a physical runner who performed better than his three-star prospect rating suggested.
Hill had an interesting offseason where there were wild rumors surrounding his transfer decision. The running back ended up signing with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was a third-string running back for the Razorbacks, but he has been productive in 2024 where he has 20 attempts for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
However, bowl games are filled with opt-outs and injuries. As a result, the running back got his opportunity to shine in the Autozone Liberty Bowl versus Texas Tech. Hill did not waste any time as he rushed for a 70-yard gain in the first quarter.
RODNEY HILL 70YDS OPENING DRIVE @rodney_hill10 #LetsWinTogether pic.twitter.com/kdX8MsXgOx
— Just Win Management Group (@JustWinMGMT) December 28, 2024
I realize that Hill isn't on the Florida State football team anymore, but it is awesome to see former players who work hard and make the most of their opportunities. We at ChopChat wish him nothing but the best in this chapter of his career.