A Tactical Gamble: Mike Norvell’s Secret Weapon for FSU
For the first few weeks of the season, Florida State coach Mike Norvell kept fans and analysts in the dark. By refusing to release a depth chart before game day, Norvell created an air of mystery around the Seminoles’ offensive strategy. While FSU entered their Week 0 opener as heavy favorites, the secrecy suggested something more significant than mere confidence—it hinted at a schematic revolution.
The veil was finally lifted ahead of the kickoff at Doak Campbell Stadium. The released depth chart revealed a surprising move: both Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. are listed as starters. This confirms that Norvell is leaning heavily into “21-personnel”—a formation featuring two running backs and one tight end on the field simultaneously.
The Breakout Potential of Ousmane Kromah
All eyes are now on Ousmane Kromah. The sophomore, a former four-star recruit, has been the talk of the preseason. After a promising true freshman campaign where he rushed for 408 yards on 72 carries, Kromah is poised for a massive breakout year.
Despite the arrival of Texas transfer Quintrevion Wisner via the portal, Kromah has solidified his position. While Wisner remains a threat, his recovery from a fall camp injury has paved the way for Kromah to emerge as the primary engine (RB1) of the FSU offense.
Double Trouble: Kromah and Singleton Jr.
The decision to start two running backs isn’t just about depth; it’s about versatility. Samuel Singleton Jr., now in his fourth year in Tallahassee, brings veteran stability to the backfield. Last season, Singleton contributed 360 yards and four touchdowns, making him the perfect complement to Kromah’s explosive style.
This “two-headed monster” approach is supplemented by other key players, including:
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- Quintrevion Wisner: The experienced transfer who will provide crucial relief.
- Ashton Daniels: The 6-foot-2, 225-pound quarterback from Auburn, whose mobility adds another layer to the run game.
Returning to the Memphis Roots
This strategy isn’t a wild experiment for Mike Norvell; it’s a return to a winning formula. During his tenure at Memphis in 2018, Norvell mastered the art of utilizing multiple elite backs. That team featured three future NFL stars—Darrell Henderson Jr., Patrick Taylor Jr., and Tony Pollard—often deploying two of them at once.
The results were devastating for opponents: Memphis averaged 3.00 points per drive, ranking 11th nationally. By implementing this system at Florida State, Norvell is attempting to replicate that efficiency to revitalize the Seminoles’ offense.
The Road to the Bowl Game
The success of the FSU season may very well hinge on the productivity of the backfield. If Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. can mirror the 1,000-yard seasons achieved by Norvell’s previous pupils, the Seminoles will be in an excellent position to reclaim their status as a powerhouse and secure a prestigious bowl game appearance.
For fans of College Football, the emergence of Kromah represents one of the most intriguing storylines of the season. Will the 21-personnel shift be the masterstroke FSU needs?
