FSU Football Fall Camp Preview: Running Backs

Trey Benson leads one of the top rushing attacks in the country as the Seminoles look to continue their success on the ground.

The Florida State rushing attack was nothing short of remarkable last year. Head coach Mike Norvell, offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, and running backs coach David Johnson have concocted a multi-faceted attack that is a major part of the offense built around Heisman candidate quarterback Jordan Travis. 

Although losing running back Treshaun Ward to the NCAA Transfer Portal will have an impact (seven touchdowns, 628-yards, 6.7 yards per carry), the 'Noles still have major pieces taking charge out of the backfield with an opportunity for another player to pick up where he left off. 

READ MORE: Seminoles Pushing For Three-Star Defensive Back Kevin Levy, Who Has Scheduled An Upcoming Commitment

NoleGameday will be breaking down each position group to provide a detailed overview of what is expected out of the roster ahead of the season. In this feature, we'll be diving into the running back room to investigate a top-10 backfield in the country from a season ago.

Other Fall Camp Previews:

Quarterbacks

Defensive Ends

Safeties

At The Surface

— Trey Benson, Redshirt Junior

The room is led by running back Trey Benson, who accounted for 990 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns in 2022 with an impressive 0.51 missed tackle ratio. To put that in perspective, if one of the 11 defensive players on the field tried to tackle him last season, it was a coin flip on whether or not they could bring him down any time he touched the ball. 

He had five 100-yard-plus games, a feat not achieved since former FSU star Cam Akers (Rams) accomplished it in 2019, and three consecutive 100-yard-plus games, a mark last reached by four-time Pro-Bowler Dalvin Cook in 2016. Benson shared carries with Ward and Lawrance Toafili during that period, which is one of the reasons why he is a projected first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft

— Lawrance Toafili, Redshirt Junior

Behind Benson is Toafili, who rushed for 457 yards and five touchdowns and had another 268 yards through the air with a score. His receiving ability and versatility are why he's solidified the second spot in a three-pronged rushing attack. He took part in the first FSU game in history that produced three separate 100-yard rushers (Duquesne) 

The next three backs are listed in no order of precedence because they all have the ability needed to take the next step into the third running back role. 

— Rodney Hill, Redshirt Freshman

Rodney Hill has a bright future at FSU. In the four games he appeared in, he rushed for 144 yards and a score, most notably in his 55-yard collegiate debut against Duquesne. If he continues on his path, which has been showcased on the practice fields during the spring, there will only be more opportunities for him to excel under the lights. 

— CJ Campbell, Redshirt Sophomore

CJ Campbell is another one to keep an eye on. He suffered what was thought to be a season-ending injury in 2022 before making a return for the final six games of the year. The former scout team player of the year rushed for 28 yards and a score in the blowout 45-3 win over Miami. Campbell has the makings to be a solid back; it is whether or not he can get the live reps to show that on a national stage. 

— Caziah Holmes, Redshirt Junior

Penn State transfer Caziah Holmes worked with the scout team as he was ineligible to play last season due to transfer regulations. It remains to be seen what he can do in garnet and gold, but he is a promising prospect who appeared in 12 games during his time with the Nittany Lions rushing for 254 yards and two scores. 

—Samuel Singleton Jr., True Freshman

Incoming freshman Samuel Singleton is a former four-star recruit out of Orange Park, Florida, who will probably take reps with the scout team as he gets acclimated to the college level. He's a dual sport athlete who competed in track and field alongside football. 

Projected Two-Deep Depth Chart

Running Back:

1. Trey Benson, RS Jr.

2. Rodney Hill, RS Fr.

3. Caziah Holmes, RS Jr.

Tailback:

1. Lawrance Toafili, RS Jr.

2. CJ Campbell, RS So.

3. Samuel Singleton, Fr.

Biggest Question Mark?

There really are only two question marks surrounding the running back room.

Who steps up and takes the third role in the room and/or the first or second barring an injury? 

The first two spots are firmly solidified, in my opinion, and the offense might just stick to a one-two punch with the absence of Ward, but there is enough talent in the room to have another three-headed monster moving forward. 

Who's taking the scout team?

Holmes will be eligible this season, and Campbell has shown he's ready for a larger role on the practice fields. Singleton? It remains to be seen, but I imagine it'll be a mixture of the guys behind Toafili, Benson, and Hill.

Follow The Leader

As mentioned before, Trey Benson has, for all intents and purposes, locked up the lead role. He's one of the highest-graded returning players in the country at his position per Pro Football Focus and is projected to be a first-round draft pick. 

Not only does Mike Norvell value catching and running ability in his backs, but he also places a strong emphasis on special teams, which generally translates well into the NFL. This 93-yard kickoff touchdown return Benson had last season was the first for FSU since the 2014 BCS National Championship win over Auburn.

Fall Camp Outlook

I imagine a repeat of last year's fall camp, where we had a few surprises but mostly knew the pecking order. I would like to see Campbell and Hill take the next step in their game to fill the third position which they are more than capable of. Watching Holmes get reps with the ones and twos will give him a chance to get in the mix, and Singleton should flash working with the scout team. 

Jordan Travis, alongside the offensive line, plays a significant role in the effectiveness of the running game. He was one of the leading rushers last season, making the offense centered around him exciting to watch. With a mix of new and returning players leading the front , and a highly projected defensive line anticipated to be among the best in the country, there will be healthy competition playing out, and the scheme paired with talent should make for a strong camp.

---

READ MORE: Checking In On FSU Quarterback Commit Luke Kromenhoek's Ranking On Multiple Recruiting Services

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook