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Florida State is starting to heat up in the portal with four commitments in the past two days. The first of two commitments on Sunday came from Indiana transfer running back Jaylin Lucas. The former 3-star from Louisiana was rated as the number 68 athlete in the 2022 class.
Although Lucas is officially listed as a running back, his largest impact will be as a return man on special teams. Lucas led the Big 10 in kickoff return yards, yards per return, and touchdowns in both of his seasons at Indiana. He even earned first-team All-American honors by multiple outlets as a returner. In 2022, he racked up 591 yards and 2 touchdowns. His two kick return touchdowns led the country that season. In 2023, Lucas had another big year in the return game putting up 572 yards and taking one to the house.
Lucas may seem undersized at only 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, but he makes up for it with next-level speed and change of direction. Just turn on his film, and you’ll immediately see what I mean. (watch below) It’s hard not to get excited about how Mike Norvell will use Lucas when you see his abilities on tape.
His production from the running back position won’t necessarily wow you. Lucas has averaged averaging just over 270 yards and 2 touchdowns in each of his two seasons at Indiana. However, he averaged over 5 yards per carry as a freshman in 2022. In 2023, Lucas also tacked on an additional 247 yards receiving with 2 touchdowns.
Like his brother and current Seminole, Ja’Khi Douglas, Lucas’ speed and ability to make defenders miss will be deadly in space. Mike Norvell has shown the ability to find ways to get the ball to playmakers, and Lucas will be no different. Another bonus, as with all the other transfers brought in so far, is Lucas has multiple years of eligibility remaining.
Most of you remember the days when Greg Reid was an electric returner for FSU. While Lucas specializes more in kickoff returns than punt returns, it’s always exciting to know you have someone back there who can break one at any second. I can’t wait to see what Lucas does in Garnet and Gold! Thanks for reading and Go Noles!
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