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Former Florida State Running Back Tabbed As Big 12's Preseason Newcomer Of The Year

Originally posted on FanNation NoleGameDay
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated 7/5/23

Florida State saw more than ten players depart from the program throughout the offseason to test the NCAA Transfer Portal waters. The majority of those that moved on were reserves but the Seminoles did take a couple of hits to their two deep during the process.

The most significant loss was that of redshirt junior running back Treshaun Ward, who transferred to Kansas City back in January. Ward had back-to-back seasons with 500+ yards rushing in 2021-22 and finished second on the team in that category this past year.

On Wednesday, the Big 12 released its preseason all-conference team and preseason players of the year. Ward was tabbed by the media as the conference's projected preseason newcomer of the year.

This doesn't necessarily come as a surprise with Ward expected to assume a big role out of the gate at Kansas State. The Wildcats lost star running back Deuce Vaughn to the NFL following the 2022 season. Vaughn was selected in the sixth round by the Dallas Cowboys after rushing 293 times for 1,558 yards with nine touchdowns on the ground.

Ward began his career at Florida State as a walk-on but ended up being elevated onto scholarship once Mike Norvell arrived in Tallahassee. He started a career-high six games this past season but suffered an injury against North Carolina State that forced him to miss multiple contests.

The injury paved the way for Trey Benson's ascension into FSU's starting running back. Benson finished the season with 154 carries for 990 yards with nine touchdowns on the ground. He was named the team's offensive newcomer of the year and second-team All-ACC following the year.

During his four years with the Seminoles, Ward appeared in 26 games, with six starts, totaling 188 rushes for 1,241 yards with 12 touchdowns in garnet and gold. He added 28 catches for 210 yards and another score through the air. Ward recorded a career-best 14 carries for 127 yards and two touchdowns against Duquesne to begin the 2022 season.

Despite the loss of Ward, the Seminoles still have a lot of weapons in their arsenal in the backfield. Outside of Benson, Florida State will field redshirt junior Lawrance Toafili, redshirt junior Caziah Holmes, redshirt sophomore CJ Campbell, redshirt freshman Rodney Hill, and true freshman Samuel Singleton at running back.