Florida State football began the 2024 season with a disappointing loss to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Dublin, Ireland. It was a result that many Seminole fans did not expect.
During the post-game interview, head football coach Mike Norvell expressed frustration with how the contest played out. He was even asked about the lack of opportunities for running back Jaylin Lucas, who is one of the fastest players on the team.
Lucas had elite speed, and fans were salivating over his skill set all off-season as someone who could be in the backfield, in the slot, and even out wide. The former Indiana transfer and brother of wide receiver JaKhi Douglas was expected to have a big role in the offense.
However, Lucas only recorded two carries for 13 yards and one reception for 5 yards versus Georgia Tech. This was something that needed to change. However, horrific news struck as the Seminoles played the Boston College Eagles the following week at home, where Lucas suffered a season-ending injury.
The speedster is back in Tallahassee for the 2025 season and has been catching up to speed and rehabbing from his injury. It is always scary to be a smaller back (5'7") with speed and try to recover from lower-body injuries since you do not want to lose the speed that you had.
On top of that, the Seminoles hired former UCF head football coach Gus Malzahn to be its new offensive coordinator. As a result, I wonder how Lucas will be utilized in the scheme if/when he is healthy.
The Seminoles did not add another transfer in the backfield, but they did acquire four-star Ousmane Kromah, who will be enrolling in Florida State in the summer. Plus, they return veteran pieces such as Roydell Williams and Caziah Holmes.
With that being said, it is difficult to envision the Seminoles getting Lucas a ton of opportunities, but having speed at your disposal from players such as Micahi Danzy and Jaylin Lucas could do wonders for Florida State during the 2025 season.