What can FSU football's freshman class offer with Seminoles in need of spark vs Cal?

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What can FSU football's freshman class offer with Seminoles in need of spark vs Cal?

Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat · Tallahassee Democrat

Fri, Sep 20, 2024 ·

10 min read

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The Seminoles have tumbled to a 0-3 start and looked particularly bad in each game. The offense looks lifeless at times and the defense that was expected to be one of the best in the country hasn't shown up.

Following the 20-12 loss to Memphis , Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell said that his offense was under constant evaluation as he considers changes to personal or schemes. FSU ranks 128 out of 133 in total offense among football bowl series (FBS) programs and ranks 123rd in scoring offense as that unit desperately needs a change.

During practice this week, Norvell said he's got confidence in the freshman class and, if called upon, they could make a difference.

"There are a handful of the freshman that we're pushing," Norvell said. "If a guy can get out there and help this football team, we are going to push it."

With a week four matchup against Cal taking center stage at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, FSU's freshman might be ready for their moment under the lights vs. the Golden Bears .

The Seminoles 2024 recruiting class was ranked in the top 25 by major recruiting services and ranked 12th in the 247 Sports composite rankings. The class could feature a handful of difference makers both long term, and possibly now.

Here is what the freshman class could offer FSU football.

We will be looking at the freshmen who have a realistic chance of seeing the field this season. Redshirt freshmen are not included on this list.

FSU football offense freshman

There are seven freshmen who could make an impact.

With the current lack of offensive production, there should be chances for most of these players to help in moments. The freshman offensive line players don't crack the list, simply because there is a strong cohort of veterans that will be nearly impossible to replace baring unbelievable circumstances.

Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek is listed here despite being a third-string, with Brock Glenn likely the next in line should Uiagalelei be pulled. However, Kromenhoek is well-developed for a freshman and could give FSU some snaps should he be needed.

Luke Kromenhoek, Quarterback

4-Star recruit out of high school.

FSU football players participate in the Seminoles first spring practice of the 2024 season on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Florida State University

A top -10 quarterback in the nation in the class of 2024, Kromenhoek was ranked as the 35th best player in the country by 247 Sports. He went 168-of-267 for 2,578 yards with 24 touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 558 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground in his senior year at Benedictine Military School in Georgia.

In practice, Kromenhoek has flashed his potential, making some impressive throws downfield and connecting well with his receivers in shorter route situations. He makes some mistakes you'd expect out of the freshman, and while this year might be just too soon, Kromenhoek offers a young, fresh player to lead the Seminoles' offense. And importantly, he can get out of the pocket and run behind an offensive line struggling with protection right now.

Kam Davis, Running back

4-Star recruit out of high school.

Florida State football players participate in day two of fall pracice at the Albert J. Dunlap center on Friday, July 26, 2024

Davis has already seen the field, recording nine carries for 24 yards this season in a limited role. Despite the coaching staff believing it had a deep running back room, FSU hasn't utilized its running back room at all this season. An increased role for Davis gives the Seminoles a physical and fast runner who can gain big yardage if given the holes to exploit by the offensive line.

Davis has shown his explosiveness in practice, making quick decisions that sometimes led to a couple of extra yards on the ground, and with the offensive struggles, that is the difference between a first down and a punt for FSU right now.

Micahi Danzy, Running back

4-Star recruit out of high school.

The biggest thing Danzy brings to the field is speed . He's not just fast, he is Division 1 track level of fast after winning multiple state championships in high school and an AAU national championship. Standing at 6-foot-1, Danzy is a tall and very physical player despite his 185-pound frame, and he has shown in practice what his speed can do.

Multiple times Danzy has blown by defenders as he breaks away on the run, and has developed better as a pass catcher, making some impressive grabs. With a long-term plan to use him like Lawrance Toafili, Danzy is the definition of bringing a spark with his speed being some of the best in college football. He was elevated to the depth chart following a season-ending injury to Jaylin Lucas but didn't see the field vs. Memphis. That could change vs. Cal.

Lawayne McCoy, Wide receiver

4-Star recruit out of high school.

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (15) fumbles a punt return against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

McCoy has been primarily utilized on special teams this season, and despite dropping a punt vs. the Tigers, don't expect his role on special teams to change much. However, having McCoy line up at receiver allows the smooth route runner a chance to showcase his ability to get open, something FSU's offense desperately needs. He posted 491 yards and three touchdowns in his senior season at Miami-Central, and his route-running ability is beyond what you'd expect from a freshman, which is why I think he can see the field.

There is still some stuff to work on with fighting through contact against the increased physicality of college football, but the ability to get open and find soft spots in the defense is something FSU doesn't have right now. He could be used in third down and redzone situations to give the Seminoles a chance to convert in those areas, and he has made a few defenders miss in practice with quick feet.

Elijah Moore , Wide receiver

4-Star recruit out of high school.

Florida State football players participate in day one of the Seminoles fall camp at Florida State University on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

After losing the towering duo of Keon Coleman , 6-foot-3, and Johnny Wilson , 6-foot-6, the only player on the current Seminoles roster that reminds you of those two is Moore. He stands at 6-foot-4 and seems ready to contribute on the field, with his height giving him the ability to win a lot of contested catches downfield. Moore is quick with his size and in practice, he has flashed moments where you see the potential he has.

He is the tallest receiver FSU has his season, and with some struggles to gain separation or win contested catches, Moore offers the Seminoles offense a better chance in those situations. He has a ready-made frame for college football, and with some of the veteran receivers not playing up to standard right now, the freshman flash that Moore can bring could spark something for the passing game.

Amaree Williams , Tight end

4-Star recruit out of high school.

Tight end is a position of interest for FSU as Kyle Morlock has yet to capitalize on the momentum he brought into the season after a strong fall camp. Morlock, Brian Courtney and Jackson West haven't really been a factor this season, and with Williams and Landen Thomas waiting in the wings, the freshmen could make a mark. Williams reclassified from the Class of 2025 to 2024 to join the Seminoles this summer, and he's flashed his athleticism in practice since the start of fall camp.

With a long-term plan to have Williams play both tight end and defensive end , he is focusing on the offensive side of the ball right now and his 6-foot-4 215 215-pound frame gives FSU an explosive option at tight end. Playing wide receiver in high school, Williams has good hands as he recorded 16 catches for 424 yards and seven touchdowns at the Benjamin School. While his blocking ability brings questions as he learns the position, his ability as a pass catcher offers the Seminoles' passing game another option.

Landen Thomas, Tight end

4-Star recruit out of high school.

Like Williams, Thomas could be a difference-maker at tight end. A natural replacement, and possibly more likely to see the field than Williams right now because of his blocking ability. Thomas is 6-foot-4 and weighs 235 pounds and his pass-catching is strong like Williams, with Thomas very much a modern tight end with the ability to act as an extra receiver when not asked to block.

He recorded 551 yards and six touchdowns on 35 catches for Colquitt County in his senior year. He has the ability to pick up yards after the catch while fighting through tackles, but that will take time to fully translate to the Divison 1 level. But, he has a safe pair of hands that could be used on a Seminoles offense that is plagued with drop passes right now.

FSU football defense freshmen

While it is more likely we see freshmen see the field on offense this season, the duo of Charles Lester III and Cai Bates could pop up in moments for the Seminoles. Both players play defensive back, and with Azareye'h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress not expected to drop starting roles this season, Lester and Bates could see playing time in sets that use more defensive backs.

So what do they bring?

Charles Lester III, Defensive back

4-Star recruit out of high school.

Florida State commit Charles Lester III poses with head coach Mike Norvell during his official visit in June 2023.

Lester is the more likely of the duo to see the field, with the slick 6-foot-1 corner one of the most highly-rated prospects in the 2024 class. He was the eighth-best corner according to 247 Sports and a top-100 player, ranking 84th in the nation. He was a force for Venice in his senior season, recording 50 tackles, seven pass breakups and three interceptions.

He has impressed since arriving in the spring, with Norvell calling him the "most-improved" since his arrival at one point during fall practice. He has the speed to keep up with college receivers and is good at tracking the ball. He's had a handful of standout moments in practice, showing his ability to disrupt the passing game with coverage and his pass breakup ability.

Cai Bates, Defensive back

4-Star recruit out of high school.

Bates, like Lester, would see the field in a limited capacity, but he has the chance to make a play. He's a smooth defensive back who covers really well, he's hard to shake and hasn't allowed many big plays in practice. He stands just over 6-foot-1 and is 180 pounds and he can hold his own in coverage, be it man or zone.

He's quick and efficient in reading plays, breaking up a lot of passes in practice, but has made some mistakes you would expect to see with a freshman, sometimes too handsy in coverage or biting too hard on a cut. Bates and Lester could be the next secondary duo to star for the Seminoles, and if given the chance, they'll show why on the field.

Full FSU football freshman class

Luke Kromenhoek, QB
Charles Lester III, CB
Jamari Howard, CB
Cai Bates, CB
Manasse Itete, OL
Kam Davis, RB
Lawayne McCoy, WR
Amaree Williams, TE/Edge
Landen Thomas, TE
Micahi Danzy, RB
Elijah Moore, WR
Jonathan Daniels , OL
BJ Gibson, WR
Camdon Frier, WR
D'Nas White, DL
DD Holmes, DL
Tye Hylton, OL
Jayden Parrish, LB
Ricky Knight III, CB
Jamorie Flagg, DL
Timir Hickman-Collins, LB
Jayden Todd, OL
Jake Weinberg, K

How to watch FSU football vs. Cal

Date: Saturday, Sep. 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial ), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football freshmen who could help turn season around

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