A discussion about which true freshmen could play early is always a tough projection. Set aside the star ratings, high school highlights and potential.
What have the freshmen shown in their first months on campus? Have they gained weight or impressed in the strength room? Have they shown an aptitude to pick up a new scheme? What’s their work ethic?
Considering all of these questions as Florida State begins to flip the page from preseason camp to Alabama, some freshmen are emerging as options for 2025. We’ll take a look at a few:
RB Ousmane Kromah
If there’s one position across college football where true freshmen can play early, it’s at running back. This has been true at FSU, with Devonta Freeman (579 yards, eight TDs in 2011), Dalvin Cook (1,008 yards, 8 TDs in 2014), Cam Akers (1,024 yards, seven TDs in 2017) and even Lawrance Toafili (356 yards, two TDs in 2020).
Our two main questions about Kromah were if he could hold up in pass protection and whether he could grasp the offense over the summer given that he didn’t enroll early. Those questions have been emphatically answered. Kromah has been praised for a “violent” pass block in a scrimmage, and there is a sense that he is too good to bring along too slowly.
“He’s different. He loves football,” FSU running backs coach David Johnson said. “Extremely smart. He’s really competitive. He wants to make sure he’s doing everything right. He’s trying to be perfect on every rep. That’s rare from a freshman. He’s not afraid of contact. He really gets up when it’s time to go against a linebacker in pass pro. And that’s different from a young guy. But he’s extremely strong. Great balance.”
While FSU has depth at running back, the other factor is one of injuries. Roydell Williams and Jaylin Lucas each sustained 2024 season-ending injuries, while Gavin Sawchuk was limited at Oklahoma due to a hamstring injury. All the more reason to split carries and get Kromah in the rotation.
WR Jayvan Boggs
Maybe we should have seen this coming: A three-time state champion receiver and a Mr. Football winner, Boggs looks well-prepared and has a professional mindset to produce early. While Boggs isn’t going to win a foot race, he is able to consistently find openings in a defense and is physical in 1-on-1 matchups.
Boggs connected with UCF’s Gus Malzahn and Tim Harris Jr. early, and he flipped to FSU when both coaches went to Tallahassee.
“When you really do the background and you watch a kid play, and then you sit down with him, and you build a relationship with him and see what they’re all about, he has what it takes to be a high-level player,” Harris Jr. said. “His production at that level speaks for itself.”
While there are question marks at receiver after Duce Robinson — even Squirrel White has been limited, Norvell said — the staff is clearly thrilled with Boggs.
QB Kevin Sperry
Sperry hit the ground running in the spring, showing his confidence in himself and guiding the offense. He left enough of an impression to spark debate about a competition for backup quarterback between redshirt sophomore Brock Glenn and Sperry. Norvell said Glenn would return to practice after missing a chunk of camp due to injury. While that’s good, Sperry has benefitted from taking second-team reps.
“The thing that I have liked so far is that if you correct him (Sperry) on something, he won’t be making the same mistake a second time,” Malzahn said. “He is very conscious about it, it’s very important to him and that has stood out to me so far.”
Coaches don’t want to play a true freshman quarterback early in the season. But FSU’s guarantee games in September provide the opportunity. There’s no reason to have Tommy Castellanos play four quarters against East Texas A&M (three wins in 2024) and Kent State (0-12 last fall).
Sperry should get a considerable number of drives against either opponent. And if Glenn is back in the mix, one quarterback could play more vs. East Texas A&M and the other can play against Kent State.
CB Shamar Arnoux
This is a tough one from a depth chart standpoint, with Jerry Wilson a slam-dunk starter and Ja’Bril Rawls a likely starter. Charles Lester, Cai Bates, Quindarrius Jones and Ricky Knight all have varying levels of experience, too.
It’s plausible Arnoux won’t play much. But it also makes sense for Arnoux to compete for a backup role and get on the field in FSU’s guarantee games in September.
“He’s not scared,” cornerbacks coach Patrick Surtain said.
The Desir twins
Darryll and Mandrell Desir have been tough to separate when it comes to discussion among coaches. But Norvell and defensive coordinator Tony White rave about the effort and physicality of the freshmen. Norvell was asked to discuss them individually on Saturday.
On Mandrell: “Whether it’s inside or outside, the way that his body can bend and fight pressure to be able to get off blocks. I’ve been so pleased with what I’ve seen from him.”
On Darryll: “Darryll has been more on the edge. He’ll have the ability to be able to move around at the front. He’s very explosive. You feel him as a pass rusher. You feel him in the way he chases, plays with physicality.”
We don’t often see true freshmen defensive linemen on the field early, but their development would be expedited with some playing time.
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Jerry Kutz
The Osceola
