Mike Norvell names Lawrance Toafili most improved player on FSU roster

Florida State running back Lawrance Toafili has made quite the impression on coach Mike Norvell in fall camp. Set to enter his third season, Toafili played a reserve role in the backfield the past two years in Tallahassee.

It remains to be seen how involved he will be with the offense this season, but his performance so far earned him a shoutout from the Seminoles coach, who called him the most improved player on the team.

“A guy that I definitely want to mention is Lawrance Toafili,” Norvell said Tuesday. “I think he has had an incredible camp. He might be our most improved player on the roster. He’s had his explosive moments and made an impact here. Really excited about the steps he’s taken in his game. I just love all aspects of what I’m seeing from his continued development and he had a really good scrimmage the other night.”

A four-star recruit in the 2020 class, Toafili ranked as the No. 24 running back in the class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. As a freshman, he gained 476 all-purpose yards in addition to a pair of touchdowns. This past season, he added another 272 all-purpose yards and three scores.

Toafili has also shown off his big-play ability through the first two seasons, and is one of just five players in school history with a receiving and rushing touchdown of 70 yards or longer. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways could also lead to a larger role this season.

Florida State’s running back room is full of talent, including veteran Treshaun Ward, who rushed for 515 yards and four touchdowns this past season. They also brought in Oregon transfer Trey Benson. With that in mind, Lawrance Toafili faces plenty of competition as he looks to keep impressing Mike Norvell and earn more playing time.

Florida State kicks off the season in less than two weeks on Aug. 27 against Duquesne.