Mike Norvell has a tell when he wants someone from the portal because FSU is usually the first team to contact that player. That was the case when former Oklahoma running back Gavin Sawchuk entered the portal.
Some fans seemed surprised that FSU is targeting a transfer portal running back, citing several bodies in the room. While they have some returning players, the combination of depth and experience isn't great.
FSU returns Roydell Williams, Kam Davis, Caziah Holmes, and Sam Singleton. Jaylin Lucas is listed as a running back, but he's more of a gadget player, and Ousmane Kromah will arrive in a few weeks. That's four running backs with some college experience and a highly-touted freshman who didn't enroll early. Williams has 260 career carries, Lucas has 118, Holmes has 100, Davis has 52, Singleton has 29, and Sawchuk has 176.
Williams, Davis, Holmes, and Lucas were injured last year. Gavin Sawchuk has been injured in his career, but taking him at this juncture is worth the risk. He has proven production when healthy and can do it all.
It's a smart play by Mike Norvell and Gus Malzahn, considering they will likely run the ball 55-58 percent of the time. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos will likely factor into some of those carries to take some pressure off those guys. His ability to run should open things up for the running backs too.
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I know everyone believes the incoming freshman will be a star, but it's too risky to put that pressure on him out of the gates. Not to mention, it usually takes guys some time to adjust to the college game. Remember, it wasn't until about halfway through the 2014 season that Dalvin Cook found his stride.
Sawchuk received some crystal ball predictions for FSU on Friday. Hopefully, FSU fans will receive some good news to confirm a commitment and signing soon.