Mike Norvell addresses running back effort, making history

Florida State made history in their season opener against Duquesne on Saturday. For the first time in program history, three different players rushed for 100 yards or more. Trey Benson, Lawrence Toafili, and Treshaun Ward were all there for the Seminoles, pulling off one of the more incredible feats under head coach Mike Norvell.

After the game, Norvell discussed the effort his running backs put in during their 47-7 win. He said the competitive spirit in the position room helps, especially since everyone is still uplifting one another. Norvell admitted there are a couple of things to fix but was impressed with the ability to break tackles.

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“I think we’ve got a great running back room,” Norvell said. “Those guys are very competitive but they’re very supportive in how they work. We want to be a football team that we move forward on contract and I thought those guys showed it. Able to break some tackles and they’ve done that throughout fall camp, in the scrimmages, live situations — it’s good to see. Still some things that we’re going to continue to get better at. Cleaning up some communication, some missed assignments that forced them to make people miss little less sooner than what we want. But I thought it was a really good mindset and approach from our running backs. Was proud to see all of them.”

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Rodney Hill gets special shoutout

Rodney Hill may not have been part of the history with the running backs. However, he did receive a special shoutout from his head coach. Norvell thinks there is a special future ahead for the freshman running back, recalling some of the highlight plays Hill made against Duquesne.

“You know, Rodney Hill coming into his first game,” said Norvell. Boy, he had a couple highlights that showed up. Proud of him and the way he approached because I think he has a chance to have a great future as well.”

Hill finished with just nine carries but had 55 yards and averaged a tick over six yards per carry. He was one of five Florida State runners to find the endzone, scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Mike Norvell loves playmaking ability of running backs

Playmaking is a trait Norvell is looking for in his program, especially from running backs. He said players such as Benson, Toafili, and Ward put that on display Saturday night. However, Duquesne was not the only place it’s showed up for the Seminoles. Norvell said the running backs have been making plays in practice as well.

Everything has come full circle with the 2022 season now underway.

“That’s an expectation here,” said Norvell. “We talk about this is an offense, a program that’s built for playmakers. Those guys have great playmaking ability. All of them were brought here for a reason. They’ve grown, they’ve invested, they’ve developed. They all have their own, unique journey but they made the most of the opportunities they have.

“That wasn’t just a display for what happened tonight. It’s something that’s showing up in practice. They don’t take off days. They compete for every rep, every rush but they do it with each other. I thought it was a great performance. Really pleased with the mindset they bring and got to continue to get better.”