It has been eight long years since the Florida StateSeminoles produced a 1,000-yard rusher.
Cam Akers last eclipsed that milestonein 2019, rushing for over 1,100 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. Florida Staterunning backs coach Kam Martin is looking to change that, and he has the coachingacumen, historical relevancy, and a talented backfield this season to accomplishthat feat.
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Martin cut his teeth in the coaching profession as an offensiveassistant at UCF in 2021, under then-head coach Gus Malzahn. As an Auburn alum,Martin played for Malzahn, so his familiarity with Malzahn’s run-heavy spread offensemade the hire a logical fit.
During that 2021 season, the Knights averaged over 196yards per game rushing the football and were No. 1 in the country in fourthdown conversions with an 85 percent success rate. The Knights finished with a9-4 record that season.
In 2022, in his first season as a position coach, Martincoached the Incarnate Word running backs to new heights. Behind Martin’srushing attack, the Cardinals finished with a school-record 12 wins, rushed forover 3,200 yards, which ranked in the top ten in the FCS, and scored 30touchdowns. Under Martin’s watchful eye, senior running back Marcus Cooperrushed for 1.476 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Martin was welcomed back to UCF with open arms for the2023 and 2024 seasons. UCF running back RJ Harvey was a direct beneficiary of Martin’stutelage. Over those two seasons, Harvey rushed for 2,993 yards, scored 38touchdowns, and averaged six yards per carry. As a result, Harvey was atwo-time Doak Walker Award semifinalist. Harvey earned first-team All-Big 12 honorsand was a second-round pick in the NFL Draft.
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On Martin’s watch, the Knights were a top five rushingattack in the FBS in both 2023 and 2024, averaging 228 yards and 248 yards pergame, respectively.
Going into the 2026 season, Martin will have atalented backfield with which to work his magic in his first season inTallahassee, led by Ousmane Kromah and Texas Longhorns transfer QuintrevionWisner.
In a story on Noles 247 by John Evans, Martin will getthe chance to observe Kromah, Wisner, and also Sam Singleton in a teamscrimmage on Tuesday. “I feel like it’s going to decide tomorrow,” Martinsaid of the first scrimmage. “These guys, they’ve got to go out there andrun the ball and protect and do all of the little things of what it takes to bethe guy.”
“AndI’m excited to see it. I’m excited to see who’s gonna break tackles, I’mexcited to see who’s gonna protect the ball, I’m excited to see who’s gonnamake game-changing plays. And I feel like these guys, they’re willing to do it,”said Martin.
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Kromah rushed for over 400 yards last season, but hadzero touchdowns. Wisner rushed for 597 yards and just three touchdowns after rushingfor over 1,000 yards in 2024. Both players will need to increase those numberssignificantly. Martin is the Michelangelo of running backs, taking raw, talentedrushers and turning them into works of art on the gridiron.
Last season, the Seminoles led the ACC and ranked No.11 nationally in rushing, as they averaged 218 yards per game and scored 31touchdowns. It will be Martin’s priority to ensure that trend continues.
