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Florida State football has speed. But who is the fastest? Here are top 5 candidates

peter holland jr. and liam rooney, tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

In today's game, speed kills. Florida State football has a ton of it on this year's team.

After the Seminoles' third day of practice last Friday, wide receiver Malik Benson raised the bar when asked if he thinks he is the fastest Seminole on the team.

Of course, he said, 'Yes.' However, he shouted out three other players who could give him the run for his money.

Here is a list of players who could be the fastest Seminole on the team.

WR Malik Benson

Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Malik Benson (10) runs with the ball during the Spring Showcase on April 20, 2024, at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Malik Benson (10) runs with the ball during the Spring Showcase on April 20, 2024, at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Benson confidently believes he is the top speedster for the Seminoles. Since transferring from Alabama, Benson has shown his explosiveness and discipline on his routes.

In high school, Benson, a Lansing, Kansas native, was a state qualifier in the 100 and 200 meter, 4x100 relay, and long jump.

He started his football career at Hutchison Community College, where he shattered the school record, including  2,152 receiving yards over two seasons and is ranked second with 21 receiving touchdowns. He also broke the single-season record with 1,229 yards. He was the No. 1 JUCO player and played one year at Alabama.

RB Micahi Danzi

Florida State football players participate in day two of fall pracice at the Albert J. Dunlap center on Friday, July 26, 2024
Florida State football players participate in day two of fall pracice at the Albert J. Dunlap center on Friday, July 26, 2024

A multi-time state champion, two-time All-Big Bend Sprinter of the Year and Florida Dairy Farmer's Mr. Track at Florida High, Micahi Danzy is no stranger to speed.

Winning both the 200 and 400-meter spring state titles in back-to-back years, it's impossible to look past Danzy when wondering who is the fastest on the team.

Before his season-ending injury during his senior year of high school, Danzy recorded 59 carries for 510 Rush Yards and eight rushing TDs while also hauling in eight catches for 206 receiving yards and two TDs in just five games played.

Danzy has impressed early in the first few practices of the fall, and he's flashed his speed each day during drills and scrimmages, and he's got a legit case to being the fastest on the team.

RB Jaylin Lucas

FSU running back Jaylin Lucas rushes the ball during the Seminoles scrimmage on March 28, 2024.
FSU running back Jaylin Lucas rushes the ball during the Seminoles scrimmage on March 28, 2024.

Jaylin Lucas was a dynamic athlete at Indiana.

In two seasons, he produced 2,052 all-purpose yards, including 1,163 yards on kickoff return. He tied the program record with three touchdowns on kickoff return, earning All-Big 10 honors.

Lucas, part of a crowded running back room, will likely see time as a return specialist. His top-end speed meets the demands.

Lucas is also the brother of wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas.

WR Jalen Brown

Tigers Jalen Brown (14) runs the ball as the LSU Tigers take on the the Army Black Knights in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October. 21, 2023.
Tigers Jalen Brown (14) runs the ball as the LSU Tigers take on the the Army Black Knights in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October. 21, 2023.

Jalen Brown, a 6-foot-1, 174-pound LSU transfer, has been turning heads with his electric speed and length.

The receiver and special teams player has been active at receiver and on special teams.

At Gulliver Prep in Miami, he was an all-purpose player, recording 3,272 yards all-purpose yards, including 2,397 receiving yards with 25 touchdowns and 797 punt return yards. Brown was one of the top receivers out of Miami and signed to play for LSU.

He redshirted that last year and entered the transfer portal after appearing in three games.

WR Duece Spann

Florida State football players take part in drills during an FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Doak Campbell Stadium.
Florida State football players take part in drills during an FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Doak Campbell Stadium.

The final name on our list, Deuce Spann was one of the Seminoles' fastest players last season and could make a strong case for being the fastest on the team.

Expecting to take a step up this season in a revamped wide receiver group, Spann posted 277 yards in kick returns last year. Spann's best moment came with a 99-yard return against Duke, where he blazed through defenders to score for the Seminoles.

While Spann might not be the first name you think of when thinking of the fastest player on the team, he certainly is one of the speediest in the program.

Florida State football schedule 2024

  • Aug. 24 vs. Georgia Tech *Dublin, Ireland at Noon p.m., ESPN

  • Sept. 2 vs. Boston College at 7:30 p.m., ESPN

  • Sept. 14 vs. Memphis

  • Sept. 21 vs. California

  • Sept. 28 at SMU

  • Oct. 5 vs. Clemson

  • Oct. 18 at Duke

  • Oct. 26 at (U) Miami

  • Nov. 2 vs. North Carolina

  • Nov. 9 at Notre Dame

  • Nov. 23 vs. Charleston Southern

  • Nov. 30: Florida

  • Dec. 7:ACC Championship

BOLD = ACC

* = Neutral Site

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Who is the fastest Florida State football player? Here are top 5 options