Mike Norvell details depth at running back, spotlights scrimmage standouts

Following a scrimmage in Fall Camp, Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell broke down the depth he sees at running back and explained why the position group excites him.

In the scrimmage itself, Trey Benson and Lawrance Toafili played limited roles due to their experience. Instead, it served as an opportunity for younger players to get into game situations in case they’re called upon this season.

“They were limited in their rep count because just of their overall experience,” Mike Norvell said. “But I thought Rodney Hill did some really good things.”

“Caziah Holmes had a couple really big plays. I mean, he got in the open field. You could see his speed, his toughness, physicality, how comfortable out of the backfield as well. I thought he really showed up well today. CJ Campbell has a couple of nice plays as well.”

As of now Benson and Toafili are expected to be Florida State’s primary running backs, taking most of the snaps once the season gets started. Still, it’s good that Mike Norvell is excited about Florida State’s depth at the position.

“So, I feel good about that running back room. We’ve got five guys that I feel are very, very capable, you know, bringing along Sam Singleton. He was limited tonight but we’ve got to get him back rolling and keep evaluating to see where he’s gonna be. A very talented young man, but I feel good about that running back room and we wanted to get them some good work tonight and I thought they showed up well.”

Mike Norvell on how Trey Benson can take the next step in 2023

Trey Benson looks like he could make a huge impact for Florida State in 2023, especially if he takes a step forward like Mike Norvell expects him to.

“For some people who don’t know Trey’s story, when he came to Florida State, he was coming off a devastating injury. We had to bring him along and help him build confidence in himself, you know, just coming off that injury. You look back last year, close to a 1,000 yard rusher. You know all the things –now, this year is taking the next step because it’s not just that he can play football, it’s continuing to elevate himself to, I believe, being one of the best running backs in the country,” Norvell said.

“You see that confidence. You see him really trying to focus on those little things, whether it’s pass protection, being able to showcase all the things, catching the ball out of the backfield. Then, he’s pretty special when he gets the ball in his hands as a runner too. So, his confidence has continued to grow. Another person that’s so unselfish, so humble, but really just a dynamic player and I think he’s going to be special in that running back room.”