Reports have SEC program targeting current FSU assistant for similar job

Reports are coming out that Arkansas is targeting FSU running backs coach David Johnson to be the running backs coach in Fayetteville. 

Johnson has been with Florida State since Mike Norvell arrived in 2020 and is one of the coach's most loyal soldiers. He is also the recruiting coordinator for the Seminoles. There is a relationship between Johnson and Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield, as both were on Mike Norvell's staff at Memphis in 2016 and 2017. Silverfield was the offensive line coach and running game coordinator while Johnson coached wide receivers and passing game coordinator.

Johnson has had success with his running backs

Most running back coaches are generally elite recruiters. Johnson definitely isn't that, but his running backs have generally performed well. The high point at the position is obviously Trey Benson, who had over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in back-to-back seasons after transferring from Oregon in 2022. Benson was drafted in the third round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2024. Given FSU's offensive lines haven't been a strength during Johnson's time in Tallahassee, the running backs have done pretty well,

Even this season, when the Seminoles seemed to have an inconsistent rotation of backs, freshman Ousmane Kromah averaged 6.7 yards per carry and Sam Singleton Jr. emerged as a playmaker and averaged 7.1 yards per carry.

As a recruiter, Johnson was FSU's primary connection to Louisiana, where the Seminoles always dipped in to grab a few players. The best of this group was probably wide receiver Ja'khi Douglas, who found a role as a part-time slot, part-time running back while at FSU. Other high-profile Louisiana prospects like wide receivers Destyn Hill and Corey Wren proved to be busts.  

Changes at FSU are coming quickly

FSU has already announced that defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. will not be retained and quarterback Tommy Castellanos' request for a waiver to get an extra year of college football was denied. Castellanos is going to appeal, but Norvell said FSU plans to move forward.

Norvell also is hinting that there won't be any planned changes with either offensive or defensive coordinator. Both Gus Malzahn and Tony White were hired for those positions last year. 

"There's not been any change in regards to that, we're just going to continue to push forward with all things," Norvell said.