SPECIAL TEAMS IS THE NAME OF THE GAME
Florida State opens up the 2025 season in less than two weeks against a nationally ranked Alabama squad. The Tide will certainly be a tough out as they have once again assembled one of the best rosters in the country. Nonetheless, the Seminoles are gearing up to exploit them and other opponents this season.
Dominating all three phases of the game seems like a foregone afterthought in the modern era of college football. Special teams are gaining less traction by the day, and most fans simply overlook that aspect of the game. However, rest assured, Mike Norvell, along with special teams coordinator John Papuchis has emphasized special teams throughout camp.
The Seminoles averaged 21.64 yards per kickoff return last season, followed by 1.64 yards per punt return. Both ranked sixth and last in the ACC. The Seminoles look to improve those numbers in hopes of gaining field position advantages and shifting the momentum in close games.
JAYLIN LUCAS COULD BE A DIFFERENCE-MAKER
There is no better player to flip the script than Indiana transfer running back Jaylin Lucas. Listed at 5'9 175 pounds, Lucas is often characterized as a "gadget" player, meaning his versatility allows him to play multiple positions across the field. He appeared in two games for the Seminoles in 2024, where he initiated some pop plays before suffering a season-ending injury.
Before his time at Florida State, the redshirt junior accumulated 2,052 all-purpose yards in 23 games at Indiana. He became the first true freshman to earn the Big Ten return specialist of the year award and also took home first-team All-Big Ten honors and first-team All-American honors in 2021.
The specialist followed this with third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022. Lucas has shown production all over the field, including at running back and wide receiver. You can expect the same from him this season as Norvell will look to utilize his playmaking ability. Listed at the bottom of the depth chart, his usage will be an interesting stat to monitor as he could catch teams by surprise.