We’re sticking with running backs Noles247 moves to No. 13 on its list of of the state of Florida The 40 most important players of 2022. The countdown continues Treshaun Wardthe most prolific skill player returning for the Seminoles.
“Important” can be pretty vague because it depends on how you define importance. It’s subjective. Is it based on the player who has the most value on the list? Is it simply decided who is the best/most talented player? Do you weigh what position a player plays and how much that position affects play from game to game? What about the depth at the location, how is that accounted for?
The objective of this exercise is to mix position value, past production/projected production, depth versus backup, scheme/utilization and reliability to attempt to determine each player’s importance to the 2022 campaign prospects.
Class: RS Soph.
Ht/Wt: 5-10, 189
2021 stats: 81 rushes for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns, caught 21 passes for 185 yards and 1 touchdown
Rank last year: NO
Ward enjoyed a breakout campaign in his first season on scholarship, with the former walk-on seizing the opportunities to lead the ACC in yards per carry (6.36). His patient running style and acceleration made it difficult for defenders to keep Ward balanced, resulting in an avoidance rate of 39.5 percent (26th nationally).
His willingness to be physical despite his smaller stature also made Ward a fan favorite.
Ward continued his strong game last spring and we can expect plenty of big-play threats again this season. One aspect of his game he’s working on is consistently catching the ball to become a well-rounded threat in a Mike Norvell Attack who likes to use his running backs all over the field. We saw this development in the spring game with a hard catch near the touchline when he had to contort to adapt to the throw.
Another area where Ward needs to improve is his strength. His frame is his frame, but continuing his physical development should allow Ward to keep running productively throughout a season as the defenseman’s YPC average has gone from 7.1 in the first two months of the season to 3.95 in the last four games the FSU has dropped.
If Ward improves in those two areas while building on what he already offers in terms of explosiveness, he should be one of the most prolific defenders in the ACC this season.
SO FAR
40.TE Wyatt Rector (NR in 2021)
39.S Shyheim Brown (NR)
38.S Jarques McClellion (NR)
37.LB DJ Lundy (34)
36.DT Malcolm Ray (SR)
BONUS: OL Jazston Turnetine (NR)
35.DL Jarrett Jackson (NR)
34.LB Amari Gainers (5)
33.P Alex Mastromanno (T-35)
32.CB Azareye’h Thomas (NR)
31.WR Ja’Khi Douglas (NR)
30.RB Lawrance Toafili (18)
29.CB Renardo green (29)
28.WR Malik McClain (25)
27.DE Derrick McLendon (33)
26.TE Camren McDonald (13)
25.OL Maurice Smith (T-18)
24.WR Ontario Wilson (27)
23.WR Johnny Wilson (NR)
22.OL Bless Harris (NR)
21.WR Winston Wright (NR)
20.QB Tate Rodemaker (NR)
19.CB Kevin Knowles (38)
18.LB Kalen Deloach (NR)
17.OL Kayden Lyles (NR)
16.OL D’Mitri Emmanuel (NR)
15.S Akeem Den5 (37)
14.RB Trey Benson (NR)
