FSU Football’s David Johnson dives into the crowded RB room after five preseason practices

“I think we’re a little stronger. We’ve got more backs that are stronger, tougher runners,” Johnson said. “They really have a good understanding of what’s going on. The addition of Roydell has been big. (He’s) Extremely smart and has a good coach, so he’s like a veteran in the room. He knows what’s going on, he holds other guys accountable and we’ve got some guys that can run and catch. So that’s what we’re looking for, some versatility.”

Roydell Williams was a highly sought-after transfer from Alabama. He played in 45 games with two starts in four seasons in Tuscaloosa, totaling 1,165 rushing yards with 11 touchdowns and 152 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Johnson said his veteran leadership skills have been instrumental in deepening relationships within the running back room.

“He’s got a great ability to pull kids and people along. They follow him — everybody on the team. He gets to build relationships with different people on the team, and he’s very intentional about that. That’s really important. He’s a real leader, and I think he does a really good job of that,” Johnson said of Williams. “And he’s tough, man. He’s going to be tough to tackle.”

Williams lost 10 pounds this past summer and seems to be handling it well in the first five practices. Johnson said the weight change hasn’t bothered him and that the goal is to run at a weight he’s comfortable with and still be able to perform on the field.

“I basically tell him about his weight all the time. At the end of the day, I want him to move the chains. So I try not to think about it too much. I think our nutritionist and everybody is going to do the things they need to do. He’ll be ready for the first race, regardless of his weight, as long as he’s comfortable and can run.”

Micahi Danzy was a local 4-star prospect out of Florida High and part of the 2024 recruiting class. Danzy missed spring camp and enrolled over the summer, but his size and top speed on the track flashed early. Johnson compared him to Toafili when he first enrolled at Florida State, only faster and stronger.

“His toughness. You see him as kind of a tall, tough guy, like LT was when he first came in. But he’s a lot faster than LT was when he came in, and he’s a lot stronger. And LT’s sticking with him, so that’s really good for me and for the room. And I think he’s going to be a surprise for us,” Johnson continued. “I told LT I was going to get somebody better than him, and LT says, ‘Yeah, coach, as a freshman he’s definitely stronger, faster, better than me.’ And that’s our job.”

Another player from the 2024 recruiting cycle is former 4-star recruit from Albany, GA, Kam Davis. At 5’10” and 224 pounds, Davis already has the size and speed of a college running back. Through the first five days of practice, Kam is steadily learning the offense and continuing to improve.

“Very good, extremely strong. You don’t normally get a freshman that’s built like that,” Johnson said. “He’s getting used to the protection and things like that, so it’s been big. But I think Kam’s smart, too. He understands the offense, wants to do everything perfectly, and he kind of looks up to Roydell. I always say Kam is probably the younger version of Roydell Williams.”

Redshirt senior Lawrance Toafili is expected to play a significant role in the offense again this season. Johnson said playing at 200 pounds will help him protect between the tackles, which should add an extra versatile piece to his game.

“I think it’s going to help protect him. He’s never been afraid to run between the tackles; you always worried about him a little bit because he was so tough. But now, at 200 pounds, he’s tough, physical, tough to take down. So I think it’s going to help with the armor that Coach Storms puts on.”

Keep an eye on the running backs this season as FSU takes on Georgia Tech on August 24 for a “Week 0” matchup in Dublin, Ireland.

The full interview with Johnson can be seen below.

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