Former Florida State Running Back Transferring to FAMU

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated 12/22/23

The latest NCAA Transfer Portal window has provided plenty of surprises after players such as running back Rodney Hill, tight end Markeston Douglas, offensive lineman Bless Harris, defensive tackle Malcolm Ray, and linebacker DJ Lundy all declared their intent to move on from Florida State.

While some have wondered if the moves were a negotiating tactic and that they would eventually return to the Seminoles, that doesn't appear to be the case.

On Friday afternoon, former FSU running back Rodney Hill announced that he was sticking around in Tallahassee to play for another program in the city. Hill will be transferring to FAMU with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Hill is coming off a 2023 season with the Seminoles where he recorded 50 carries for 190 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for 83 yards on the season. He recorded a season-high five carries for 42 yards in the close win against Boston College in September.

The Georgia native spent two years as a member of Florida State's running back rotation. He was expected to take on a significant role during his third season with the program but instead decided to enter the portal. Hill ends his time with the Seminoles after totaling 77 carries for 334 yards and two touchdowns.

FAMU finished 12-1 and defeated Howard in the Celebration Bowl in head coach Willie Simmons' sixth year with the program. Simmons has compiled a 45-13 overall record, including a 32-5 mark in the MEAC. The Rattlers will face FBS programs such as Miami and Troy in 2024.

Outside of Hill, the Seminoles have seen quarterback AJ Duffy (San Diego State), running back CJ Campbell (FAU), tight end Markeston Douglas (Arizona State), tight end Preston Daniel, offensive lineman Bless Harris (TCU), offensive lineman Thomas Schrader, offensive lineman Daughtry Richardson (FAU), offensive lineman Qae'shon Sapp, defensive tackle Malcolm Ray, defensive tackle Ayobami Tifase, linebacker DJ Lundy, linebacker Dylan Brown-Turner, and kicker Tyler Keltner enter the portal.

Star defensive end Patrick Payton previously declared his intentions to do so but removed the references on social media and never officially appeared in the database.