Florida State football had a 2024 campaign that it wants to forget. We all remember that dreadful time in Ireland as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defeated the Seminoles in the season opener. It seemed like that was the beginning of something that became very treacherous.
I thought that the Seminoles could be very explosive in the offseason. They added pieces such as Jalen Brown, Micahi Danzy, Lawayne McCoy, and Jaylin Lucas, who were known as burners.
Throughout the practices in the spring and summer, one name stuck out among the best. That was Indiana running back/athlete transfer, Jaylin Lucas. The speedster was brothers with current wide receiver JaKhi Douglas.
Florida State recruited Lucas out of high school, but he ended up going to the Hoosiers. I thought that he was worth the risk to take then, but the coaching staff thought better.
The 5'7" athlete was someone that Florida State prioritized in the transfer portal when he entered. He was utilized as a running back, receiver out of the backfield and in the slot, and as a kickoff returner. Lucas was seen speeding past the Seminoles' defenders time and time again.
You thought that Florida State play-by-play announcer Jeff Culhane was going to announce his name a ton when he screams his typical "Touchdown, Florida State! Touchdown, F-S-U!!!" Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in the second game of the season versus Boston College.
He only accumulated two carries for 13 yards with three receptions for 39 yards. You thought that head football coach Mike Norvell would have gotten him more involved after stating in the post-game media session of Georgia Tech that Lucas would get more touches, but the speedster suffered the setback.
FSU RB/ATH Jaylin Lucas looks to be getting back into the swing of things, per his IG account.
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) December 30, 2024
Lucas suffered a season-ending injury versus BC and will be returning in 2025 season with the Seminoles.
His speed will be needed in new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s scheme. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QoZwu5z3xI
This is a prove-it year for Lucas as he is back working out and getting back into the swing of things for the 2025 season. Florida State is under a ton of pressure to win this upcoming year, and head football coach Mike Norvell will have to have Lucas at full strength on offense to create mismatches for opposing defenders.