Florida State football's special teams were solid in 2024 with the play of kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and punter Alex Mastromanno, as well as the blocked field goal attempts.
Unfortunately, the Seminoles lost Fitzgerald and Mastromanno as they graduated after the 2024 season. However, the fan base seems to forget about running back Samuel Singleton Jr. in the kickoff return game.
Many individuals seem to forget about the running back as the Seminoles brought in transfers Roydell Williams and Jaylin Lucas plus returned Lawrance Toafili as well as picking up talented recruits such as Kameron Davis and Micahi Danzy.
Singleton Jr. was a former four-star prospect from Jacksonville, Florida. The talented back only recorded eight carries with 56 yards in two games during the 2023 season where he came into his own later in the year. Then 2024, he had 21 rushing attempts for 93 yards.
Singleton Jr. seem to find his niche in the kickoff return game this past season where he had 15 kickoff returns for 373 yards (24.9 average) and one touchdown. His biggest moment was his 95-yard touchdown versus the Duke Blue Devils to spark the Seminoles coming out of halftime.
Congratulations to Samuel Singleton Jr. who has been named the FWAA’s Freshman All-American kick returner!
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 14, 2025
🍢: @SweetFeet2023’s 95-yard TD return at Duke was the first by an FSU freshman since 2013 and the only KOR TD by a freshman in a P4 conference in 2024
🍢: His 373 KOR… pic.twitter.com/IqesGsiJsM
Singleton Jr. was awarded the FWAA's Freshman All-American kickoff returner. This is a wonderful accomplishment for the back as he looks to build off of his 2024 season. I realize that the speedster Jaylin Lucas will be returning in 2025, but I like the chances of Singleton Jr. continuing to blossom with another preseason of elevating his skill set.
I cannot forecast what the coaching staff will do with Singleton Jr's reps at the running back position since the group is loaded with talent. However, I think he could make the Seminoles one of the better special teams units in the country.