Ousmane Kromah's improvement as a runner is evident. He's far from smooth and polished, but he's less of the slasher that seeks contact during his freshman year.
With the benefit of experience, Kromah is a seeing the field and rush lanes better. But Kromah says he's not yet able to appreciate his development.
"I personally feel like I got to be better," Kromah said. "I see the good stuff and I be like, ‘yeah.’ But I see a lot of little things that I could tweak in my game to be that much better and put me up with the rest of the top guys that they say are up there."
Kromah is asked to expand on those "little things" and it's clear there's a drive for yards but also a drive to refine his craft.
"Just being a runner. See the gap, hit it. More or less," Kromah said. "I know that I can break somebody down but that’s not always what you need to do. Just being better as a running back."
Kromah has often been viewed along the lines of a James Wilder, more of a physical back without breakaway speed. Wilder was more of the complementary piece to Devonta Freeman from 2011-13.
A year ago, Kromah was the complementary piece. He had 408 yards on 72 carries (5.7 yards) and no touchdowns with nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown.
Kromah has been featured often in his sophomore season. He already has 397 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards on 64 carries through four games for FSU (2-2). The Seminoles were able to give him some rest against Central Arkansas, with Kromah picking up 86 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
"There's even a few runs out there that he gets to come over and see it on the iPad and some of the different elements of the areas where he can continue to grow and get better," FSU coach Mike Norvell said. "I think it was still close to eight yards a carry. That was very productive."
With Samuel Singleton Jr. out indefinitely, Kromah is the clear No. 1 back. He has been very consistent, rushing for 80 or more yards in each game, and has at least one rushing touchdown in all four of FSU's games this fall.
Kromah is 18th in the FBS in rushing yards (397) as he averages 6.2 yards per carry. He is the fifth FSU back since 1995 with a rushing touchdown in his first four games, joining Gavin Sawchuk (2025), Joe Surratt (2006), Warrick Dunn (1995) and Pooh Bear Williams (1995).
As FSU (2-2) shifts the focus to Virginia (3-1) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (ACC Network), Kromah leads a three-back rotation that will also feature Tre Wisner and Amari Thomas. Kromah was coy on Wednesday when asked about the other backs.
On Wisner, who didn't play much until Central Arkansas: "Just wait ’til Saturday. I ain’t going to lie. Just wait ’til Saturday."
On Thomas, who made his FSU debut vs. the Bears: "We’re going to utilize him this game. Just wait. He’s going to be something special."
The FSU-Virginia game likely will come down to which team is more efficient on the ground and which defense can generate enough stops on third (and fourth) down. Virginia has a top-40 rush offense in the FBS, and its rush defense is ranked 49th (116.7 yards per game). FSU has struggled up front and is ranked 80th against the run (139.7).
While FSU's offensive line has been a concern in pass protection, the group has cleared enough holes for the tailbacks. FSU's rush offense ranks 56th in the FBS (172.2 yards) and Kromah has often taken those rush lanes and picked up extra yards. He had 41 yards after contact against Central Arkansas and a season-best 94 yards after contact vs. SMU, per Pro Football Focus.
Kromah was asked if he talks a trash after breaking a tackle or ripping off a big run. He smiled.
"For sure. I’m low key like a narrator," Kromah said. "That keeps it fun. I’m not just out there playing football. I’m out there playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played. Having fun, enjoying my time."
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