Richie Leonard IV, offensive line, Roydell Williams, running back, Shyheim Brown, safety , Earl Little Jr, safety

After going 2-10 last season, some of the returning starters who were part of the devastating year have yet to live up to their expectations or are coming off long-term injuries that set the team back.

As the FSU enters a new chapter in Mike Norvell's sixth season with a new staff and key additions from the transfer portal, it opens an opportunity for redemption between the fall camp and Week 1 against Alabama.

Here are returning Seminoles who are looking for a bounce-back year:

Richie Leonard IV, offensive line

Offensive guard Richie Leonard IV started his first three games of the four games played before suffering a season-ending injury. The former Florida Gator was fortunate to redshirt and be granted a sixth year.

With Leonard back and healthy, he'll be part of a veteran front five that is predominantly transfer portal additions.

He will still have to earn back the starting job, but his starting experience can make him a leader on the offensive line.

Florida State offensive guard Richie Leonard IV speaks to the media after practice on Wednesday, Aug 14., 2024.

Roydell Williams, running back

You can point out any of the running backs from last season, and you could be right because they were part of the worst rushing attack in college football. Jaylin Lucas's season was over after two games due to an injury, and Kam Davis also missed time due to his injury.

However, for Roydell Williams, it is his last attempt as a six-year senior after failing to be the leading back after nearly the entire season, after starting the first three games and only rushing for 53 yards and two scores.

He didn't show any flashes in his first game back against the Florida Gators during the season finale, as he only had a negative one-yard rushing on six carries.

With the new Gus Malzahn scheme and the addition of Oklahoma transfer Gavin Sawchuk and a promising freshman Ousmane Kromah to the already crowded RB room, Williams will have to fight for carries if he wants to be part of the offense.

Shyheim Brown, safety

While safety Shyheim Brown led the Seminoles with 70 tackles, it was a down year for the senior after making All-ACC in the previous season.

He missed one game due to a suspension following his arrest last year on a DUI charge, first reported by Warchant TV. Brown brings seniority to the secondary and has NFL potential.

Known for having a nose for the football, Brown fits well in Tony White's 3-3-5 scheme, and they hope that this year could be Brown's career-defining year.

Earl Little Jr, safety

Sep 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs safety Brandon Crossley (1) tackles DUPLICATE***Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr. (0)***Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas (0) during the first quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Earl Little Jr. is still adjusting to his new position after switching from nickel to safety, and it will be intriguing to see where he fits in White's 3-3-5 scheme.

Little could play a vital role in the secondary because of his versatility. He is young with plenty of time to develop into a full-time safety as he enters as a redshirt junior.

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.