Mike Norvell assesses Trey Benson's play, FSU's running back room overall

Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles are already enjoying the services of former Oregon running back Trey Benson since plucking him from the transfer portal after the end of last season. The incoming transfer rushed for 77 yards on just 11 carries in FSU’s spring game last Saturday.

“I’m excited for Trey. We’ve talked about it since you know since he got here in January what I believe he’s going to bring to the [running back] room,” Norvell said of Benson. “He’s still growing. Coming off the injury, you’re building that confidence. It’s been a process for him even throughout spring ball, but I think you got a preview of the explosiveness that he had, and that he has.”

While at Oregon, Benson missed the 2020 season due to injury. However, he appeared in two games for the Ducks last season. During his time on the field, the running back accumulated 22 yards and a touchdown. As you can see, he’ll be looking for more with Florida State.

Alongside Benson in the running back room, Norvell said sophomores Lawrance Toafili has had an incredible spring and Treshaun Ward very consistent for Florida State, already knowing what Ward brings to the table with his 81 carries, 515 rushing yards (6.4 yards per carry) and four touchdowns last season.

DJ Williams is another running back that Norvell pointed out that has set himself up for a role on the team thanks to his strong spring. Other young guns in the Seminole backfield have been showing out as well.

“I think [Williams] is making very positive strides in that room and he’s showing that consistency. When you’re looking at the two young guys, you’ll see CJ Campbell and Rodney Hill. I think it’s a it’s a really impressive group of young men,” Norvell said. “But we’re excited about their versatility not only with what they do. They’re running the ball in the backfield, but they also have the potential as they’re going as pass catchers and the way that we can utilize all of their skill sets. We’ve tried to really force those guys in the backfield.”

Benson, along with the rest of the running back room, will be looking for a string of breakout performances in 2022 to solidify themselves as the Seminoles’ premier ball carrier after losing top rusher Jashaun Corbin (887 yards) to the NFL Draft.