Richie Leonard IV, a transfer offensive lineman, has won praise from head coach Mike Norvell.
For the 2024 campaign, Florida State football is starting a new era. No longer do players wear garnet and gold: Fabien Lovett Sr., Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson, Jaheim Bell, Keon Coleman, Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green, and Akeem Dent.
One of the newcomers added by the coaching staff is quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The former Oregon State and Clemson transfer’s collegiate career has been up and down. The football’s short to intermediate accuracy has been his major weakness.
Through the transfer channel, the Seminoles added running backs like Jaylin Lucas of Indiana and Roydell Williams of Alabama. They also add offensive linemen like Richie Leonard IV of Florida and TJ Ferguson of Alabama. They will be essential if Florida State wishes to resume running the football, which is their mainstay.
Running the football is at the core of head football coach Mike Norvell’s offensive philosophy. QB DJ Uiagalelei may have some effective throwing lanes if the Seminoles are able to successfully emphasize the running game.
After Monday’s practice, Norvell mentioned Richie Leonard IV of Florida, saying the transfer from Florida had excellent front-end physicality. Notably, Leonard IV started each of the twelve games against the bitter rival Gators.
He was one of the few shining moments on a miserable Gators squad that was not even able to qualify for a bowl game. The Seminoles will need to replace players like D’Mitri Emmanuel and Casey Roddick. One of the most seasoned position groups in the nation is led by offensive coordinator and offensive lineman Alex Atkins.
With guards that can pull and get to the second level, Leonard IV allows the Seminoles to rely on their counter-run strategy. Miami could be trembling in their shoes after seeing how frequently Florida State used the counterattack in the crushing victory over the Hurricanes in 2022.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Leonard IV fits into the Seminoles’ offensive line this season.
