Mike Norvell sees bigger role for Ousmane Kromah

TALLAHASSEE — Mike Norvell didn’t have to mention Ousmane Kromah on Monday.

But when Florida State’s head coach was asked about players who have impressed him during the offseason, the former Lee County standout quickly became part of the conversation.

Norvell grouped Kromah with veteran Sam Singleton and transfer Tre Wisner while discussing what he believes could become one of Florida State’s biggest strengths entering fall camp.

“Sam Singleton…has had an unbelievable summer,” Norvell said. “I think that group there with him and Ous (Ousmane Kromah) and obviously Tre coming in, it’s going to be a fun backfield to watch.”

The comments are encouraging for Kromah, who enters his sophomore season after seeing limited action as a true freshman in 2025. While he wasn’t a major part of Florida State’s offense last season, Norvell’s unsolicited praise suggests the Seminoles expect him to compete for a much larger role this fall.

Kromah isn’t the only Albany-area running back to have worn a Florida State uniform in recent years. Former Dougherty High standout Kameron Davis spent time with the Seminoles before transferring to Liberty during the offseason, leaving Kromah as Southwest Georgia’s lone hometown representative in Florida State’s running back room entering the 2026 season.

The Seminoles officially begin preseason practice this week with optimism after what Norvell described as one of the program’s most productive offseasons.

“I’m really proud of our guys for the summer work that’s gone in,” Norvell said. “This team has done everything that we’ve asked them to do up to this point.”

Florida State also enters camp healthier than it did during the spring.

Norvell said receiver Jayvan Boggs and linebacker Mikai Gbayor continue progressing after injuries and could be available for the Seminoles’ Week 0 opener against New Mexico State. Defensive lineman Jordan Sanders is expected to be fully cleared for the start of camp.

Norvell highlighted several returning players who elevated their games during the offseason, including defensive linemen Daniel Lyons and Deante McCray, receiver Ashlynd Barker, tight end Landen Thomas and offensive lineman Andre Otto. He also praised the development of the running back room, making Kromah one of only a handful of players he mentioned by name.

Another reason for optimism is continuity along the offensive line.

Unlike a year ago, when the Seminoles relied heavily on newcomers learning to play together, this year’s unit enters camp after spending months working side by side.

“I feel a lot better now than where maybe I felt a year ago just within the cohesiveness of a group because of the reps,” Norvell said.

Defensively, Norvell likes the makeup of a quicker, more athletic front that fits new coordinator Tony White’s aggressive philosophy.

“We want to attack. We want to be able to create disruption up front,” Norvell said. “We don’t have a ton of the 340-pounders, but ultimately we’ve got fast, explosive, powerful guys.”

Norvell also said freshmen Jasen Lopez and Devin Carter remain “on the fast track” to earn early playing time if they continue progressing throughout August.

Florida State opens the season against New Mexico State in Week 0, but one of the more intriguing position battles to watch throughout fall camp could be in the Seminoles’ backfield.