Richie Leonard IV injury update: Mike Norvell shares disappointing news on FSU lineman

Injuries are starting to take their toll on the Florida State Seminoles this season. Now, head coach Mike Norvell has shared the disappointing news that Richie Leonard IV is going to be out for the rest of the season.

An offensive lineman who transferred from Florida to FSU in the off-season, Leonard started in the first three games of the season for the Seminoles and saw action in the fourth game against Cal before missing the SMU game with his injury.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

“I meant to mention that in the opening but Richie Leonard will be out for the rest of the season,” Mike Norvell said. “Unfortunately, has had an injury that he’s been dealing with and it’s kind of gotten to the point where it’s greatly affecting his ability to be able to go out there and play. So, he’ll be out for the rest of the year, unfortunately.”

At Florida, Leonard played in 31 games and started 14 of those games. That includes 12 games in 2023 at left guard.

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW!

For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Coming out of high school at Cocoa in Florida, Richie Leonard IV was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2020, according to the On3 Industry Ranking and he was the 42nd-ranked interior offensive lineman in that cycle.

To this point in the season, offensive line play has proven to be an issue for the Seminoles as they are 131st in rushing offense with 65.2 yards per game on the ground. They’re also 103rd in sacks allowed, giving up 2.4 sacks per game. Now, losing someone who has that kind of experience is a major blow to the team’s depth.

In the latest depth chart from Norvell and FSU, the guard position is up in the air. Keiondre Jones and Bryson Estes are listed as co-starters at left guard while TJ Ferguson and Andre’ Otto are co-starters at right guard.

“With the opportunities of Otto and Estes. Those guys, obviously Bryson’s been in the program a long time. Had the injury coming out of spring, missed the majority of Fall Camp. So, he’s had to work himself back into it. I thought he had a really good spring,” Norvell said.

“But our guard play has not been as good as it needs to be. That’s the reality of it. So, those guys are gonna push for opportunity and we’ve got to go get better and I thought Andre’ is still young and growing in a lot of areas but you felt his presence.”

Those guards will next be tested on Saturday, October 5th when the Seminoles take on the Clemson Tigers.