The impact of offensive lineman Richie Leonard IV returning in 2025 for the Noles

Florida State has been terrible in 2024. Most individuals just want this year to end, as the Seminoles have limped to the finish line with a 2-9 record. This is supposed to be a time where Florida State fans are excited for the rivalry matchup versus the Florida Gators.

However, with how this season has played out, I think most want to erase 2024 from their memories. Head football coach Mike Norvell was thought to have momentum in the fifth season at the helm after the Seminoles secured a 13-1 year in 2023.

Everything that could have gone wrong for the Seminoles in 2024 did go bad. The injuries continued to mount up as the offense became one of the worst units in the country and the defense could not get off the field on third down.

One reason behind the offense struggling as badly as it did was because the offensive line underperformed. The team could not generate any success in running the football (something that the coaching staff was high on), and when the quarterbacks had enough time, the wide receivers were dealing with drop issues.

Norvell fired offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins for a cumulation of issues. The offensive line had Darius Washington, who was regarded as an All-American candidate in the offseason. They also had Maurice Smith and Jeremiah Byers, who were starters from a season ago.

During the Monday press conference, Norvell stated that offensive lineman Richie Leonard IV was returning in 2025. This is massive for experienced offensive line depth next year. The Seminoles picked Leonard IV up from the Gators (ironically enough) last offseason.

He was a solid guard pickup by the coaching staff. It seems like if Leonard IV can regain his strength, he could be, at the very least, a veteran offensive lineman for whoever the Seminoles hire as their offensive coordinator (looks like UNLV's Brennan Marion) and offensive line coach.