Mike Norvell describes how Georgia’s dynamic running back Ousmane Kromah was turned around by Florida State.
Mike Norvell Describes How Georgia’s Dynamic Running Back Ousmane Kromah Was Turned Around by Florida State
Ousmane Kromah, a highly talented and dynamic running back from the University of Georgia, was once seen as one of the top players in the Bulldogs’ running back room. With his impressive physical attributes, explosive speed, and vision on the field, Kromah was poised to become a star in the college football world. However, his time at Georgia was marred by inconsistency, struggles to adapt to the college game, and off-field issues that limited his impact. Many believed that Kromah’s future in football was in jeopardy, but that all changed when he made the decision to transfer to Florida State University.
Under the leadership of head coach Mike Norvell, Florida State became a place where Kromah was not only able to turn his career around, but also realize his potential as one of the most dynamic and electrifying running backs in the country. Norvell, known for his ability to revitalize players and unlock their true potential, has spoken at length about how Florida State provided Kromah with the right environment, coaching, and resources to become the player he was always capable of being.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Kromah’s journey, the challenges he faced at Georgia, how Mike Norvell and the Florida State coaching staff helped turn his career around, and how Kromah has become one of the most feared running backs in college football.
The Early Years: High Expectations at Georgia
When Ousmane Kromah first arrived at Georgia, he was widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the country. Coming out of high school, Kromah was an absolute physical specimen—a 6’2″, 215-pound running back with blazing speed, a low center of gravity, and the power to break tackles. His combination of size and athleticism made him a natural fit for Georgia’s powerhouse football program. As a highly-ranked recruit, Kromah quickly became a player to watch, with many expecting him to be the heir to Georgia’s long tradition of elite running backs.
However, Kromah’s transition to college football wasn’t as smooth as many had hoped. Despite his physical gifts, the transition to a high-level program like Georgia proved to be difficult for him. In his first season, Kromah was buried on the depth chart behind established players such as Zamir White and James Cook—two standout backs who had already proven themselves on the field. While Kromah got some playing time, his role was limited, and he struggled to find consistency.
There were multiple factors that contributed to Kromah’s inability to establish himself as a starter. First, his ball security was an issue—fumbles and turnovers plagued his game. Second, while his raw athleticism was undeniable, he lacked the refined technique and football IQ needed to succeed at the highest level. Kromah’s vision and decision-making in the open field were areas where he needed significant improvement. His struggles in these areas kept him from earning a more prominent role in Georgia’s offense.
Moreover, Kromah’s relationship with the Georgia coaching staff began to sour as he found it difficult to adapt to the demands of the program. The highly competitive nature of Georgia’s backfield, combined with the pressure to perform at such a high level, made it difficult for Kromah to find his place within the team. This frustration culminated in Kromah’s decision to leave Georgia and look for a fresh start elsewhere.
The Transfer: A New Beginning at Florida State
The decision to transfer was a pivotal moment in Kromah’s career. He needed a program that would not only give him playing time but also offer the guidance, coaching, and development that could help him refine his skills and unlock his true potential. That’s when he made the decision to transfer to Florida State University—a program under the direction of Mike Norvell, a coach known for revitalizing programs and players alike.
When Kromah arrived at Florida State, he was a player with a lot of raw talent but still needed significant work in terms of fundamentals, mental approach, and consistency. Mike Norvell, who had previously built a reputation for his work with running backs and developing explosive offenses, took Kromah under his wing.
Norvell recognized the potential in Kromah immediately. He saw a player who had the physical attributes to be an elite college back, but whose game needed significant refinement. Under Norvell’s leadership, Florida State began to focus on the areas where Kromah needed the most development: ball security, vision, and decision-making.
Mike Norvell’s Approach: Unlocking Kromah’s Potential
Mike Norvell is known for being a coach who is meticulous about player development. He has worked with several top-tier running backs during his career, including Kenneth Gainwell at Memphis, and has built a reputation for developing a dynamic offense. When it came to Kromah, Norvell knew that the key to unlocking his potential was to focus on his mental and technical development while also allowing him to leverage his natural talent.
One of the first things Norvell did was work on Kromah’s vision and decision-making. At Georgia, Kromah often relied on his athleticism to outpace defenders, but he struggled to consistently read blocks and find lanes. Norvell, along with the Florida State coaching staff, implemented a series of drills designed to improve Kromah’s ability to identify defensive alignments and make split-second decisions on where to run.
Norvell also placed a significant emphasis on ball security. Kromah’s fumbling issues at Georgia were a major concern, and Norvell made sure to drill him on the fundamentals of securing the ball. By focusing on the importance of proper hand placement, ball positioning, and protecting the football in tight spaces, Norvell helped Kromah reduce his turnover issues.
Another area where Norvell and the Florida State coaching staff made significant strides with Kromah was in his understanding of the offensive scheme. Norvell’s offenses are fast-paced and require running backs to have a deep understanding of both zone and gap schemes. Kromah, who had struggled with the complexity of Georgia’s offense, was able to thrive in Florida State’s system, where the emphasis was on simplicity, tempo, and making quick decisions.
Kromah’s comfort with the offense allowed him to focus on what he did best—running the football and making explosive plays. Norvell encouraged him to trust his instincts, and as Kromah grew more comfortable in the system, his game began to flourish.
Kromah’s Development: From Struggling to Star
With Mike Norvell’s guidance, Kromah quickly became one of Florida State’s most dynamic players. He saw significant playing time in his first season with the Seminoles and immediately made an impact, showcasing his explosive speed, elusiveness, and power. By his second season at Florida State, Kromah had emerged as one of the most feared running backs in the ACC.
One of the most impressive aspects of Kromah’s transformation was his newfound ability to read defenses and make decisive cuts. He had gone from a player who relied on raw athleticism to a running back who understood how to set up defenders, follow his blocks, and make plays in space. His vision had improved dramatically, and he began to show the kind of patience that is often seen in elite running backs.
Kromah’s ball security also improved significantly under Norvell’s tutelage. He became known for holding onto the ball securely and avoiding turnovers, something that had previously plagued him. As a result, Kromah became more trusted by the coaching staff and earned a larger role in the offense.
The confidence that Norvell instilled in Kromah played a significant role in his turnaround. Norvell’s ability to build trust with Kromah and allow him to play freely was key to his success. By encouraging Kromah to embrace his strengths and refine his weaknesses, Norvell helped the running back become a more complete player.
Kromah’s Impact on Florida State Football
Kromah’s development had a ripple effect on the entire Florida State program. As one of the top running backs in the ACC, Kromah became a focal point of the offense and played a pivotal role in the team’s success. His ability to both run between the tackles and make plays in the open field gave Florida State an added dimension on offense, making them more dynamic and difficult to defend against.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Kromah became a leader in the locker room. His journey from struggling at Georgia to becoming a star at Florida State resonated with his teammates and served as an inspiration for others. He became a symbol of the power of development and perseverance, showing that even players who face adversity can turn their careers around with the right guidance and support.
Kromah’s success at Florida State also helped elevate the program’s national profile. Florida State had been rebuilding under Norvell, and Kromah’s emergence as a star running back contributed to the team’s resurgence in the ACC and on the national stage. With Kromah leading the way, Florida State became a formidable force in college football once again.
