The Florida State Seminoles kicked off their 2026 season with a 34-17 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies, but the team's overall performance was not as dominant as anticipated. However, the running backs, particularly Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr., showcased their skills, leading the offense effectively in the season opener.
Ousmane Kromah was the standout rusher for the Seminoles, amassing 115 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Singleton emerged as a dual-threat player, finishing as the top receiver for the team. He caught four passes for 54 yards and a touchdown, in addition to contributing 42 rushing yards and another touchdown. His impressive performance earned him the title of ACC Receiver of the Week, an accolade that recognizes any player who catches a pass in the conference.
Following the game, running backs coach Kam Martin praised Singleton's versatility and work ethic. He drew a comparison between Singleton and Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey, whom he coached during his time at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Martin expressed confidence in Singleton's potential, noting that he anticipated a strong performance from the player due to his dedication throughout the offseason.
"He's fun to coach," Martin stated. "Sam's a guy that's in the building all the time. Even on an off day, he came up and asked, 'Coach, how can I get better? What are some things I can work on?' You just knew going into that game that Sam was going to have the performance that he had."
Martin highlighted a specific moment during the game that underscored Singleton's capabilities. "When I saw him catch that 53-yard pass on the screen, I kinda knew he was going to do that because he practiced it and worked hard for all these moments. Sam's time is here, and he’s going to continue to make plays," he added.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Singleton also proved to be a valuable asset in the return game. He served as FSU's primary kick returner against the Aggies, returning one kickoff for 46 yards, which set up a key drive that culminated in his rushing touchdown.
RJ Harvey, the player Martin compared Singleton to, had an impressive career at UCF, where he rushed for 2,993 yards and 38 touchdowns in just 25 games. His performance earned him a Third Team All-American selection in 2024, and he was subsequently drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harvey made an impact in his rookie season, participating in 17 games with seven starts.
While Singleton has significant strides to make in his career, his senior season has begun on a high note. With his ability to impact the game in various phases, he is poised to be a key player for the Seminoles as they progress through the 2026 season.
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