Speed is his calling card, but new RB commit Micahi Danzy brings FSU much more than that

It’s been quite a drought for Florida State when it comes to landing premier standouts from Tallahassee. But that came to an end on Saturday when four-star running back Micahi Danzy committed to FSU over offers from Georgia, Florida, Miami and others.

Danzy is much more than just a dynamic athlete, however, as Florida High head coach Jarrod Hickman tells it.

Hickman sat down with Warchant.com to break down why Danzy is such a special addition for the Seminoles.

“His dad and I actually played in high school together, so I’ve known Micahi and his family for a long, long time,” Hickman said. “He was always an extremely athletic, fast kid that we knew was talented. Watching his development over the last two years has been fun in seeing him becoming a elite player.

“Back in middle school, he was all legs. He was fast and he could naturally just do some elite things. We weren’t sure he would be a running back. Then the last two years, he’s become one of the best backs in the country. … As a kid, he’s just a fun kid. Loves sports in general and just loves to compete and play all the time. Big smile, along with his brother. Truly a fun kid, and he loved to play every day, no matter if it is track, football, whatever.”

To illustrate that point, Hickman recalls how Danzy performed in several events at a track meet earlier this year and then came home and participated in Florida State’s Seminole Showcase event later that day.

“He’s full of energy. He’s always been like that,” the Florida High head coach said. “You worry about doing too much, and he always has a great balance of not overdoing it. He’s that guy. He comes to our football workouts and he’s like, ‘Coach, I’m good. Let’s get to work.’”

Danzy also is all about winning, Hickman said.

When Florida High lost in the state championship game to Cocoa this past season, the star running back immediately wanted to focus on what the team can do better during his senior season.

“I think it was really hard on every coach and player on the team to be that close,” Hickman said. “But the thing I learned about Danzy and the other kids is they would love to earn another opportunity to get back there. He would say, ‘What can we fix and change?’ All the players have been super determined since we got back to it in January.”

While he has always been a great athlete, Danzy took his game to another level at running back this past season by rushing for over 2,000 yards.

“The change from sophomore year to now is his ability to run the ball inside and be a versatile runner,” Hickman said. “He runs like a smaller running back even though he’s a taller guy because of how he attacks the middle now. That’s been the improvement in running tackle-to-tackle better.”

He also has the willingness to block and the toughness to break tackles, according to his head coach.

“He’s not afraid to bring the contact or put his head in there, run hard and get the tough yards,” Hickman said. “He won’t try to just outrun you. He likes the tough yards. …

“You go to the next level in college, and the biggest thing kids have to adjust to is the blocking. He’s a really good blocker for us … I thought he became a really good blocker last season, along with his pass-catching skills. That is another underrated part of his game not many people talk about, but we see.”

Off the field, Hickman said, Danzy is very popular with his teammates.

“He has a lot of fun and he’s not afraid to make fun of himself,” the coach said. “He’s a reserved, quiet kid, and doesn’t try to be in the spotlight — even though that’s something he is because of his talent. He’s a fun guy to be around. He’s not a vocal guy. I think with him, it’s the actions of his work.

“When he’s out around the country running track or taking college visits that weekend, he’s back there Monday. Our kids respect that and the fact that he doesn’t try to duck or dodge that. He is there every day just like everyone else. His leadership come from the way he works and plays.”

Assuming Danzy signs with the Seminoles in December, he could be the fastest running back FSU has signed out of high school since Dalvin Cook. He has legitimate track speed and is expected to contribute as a sprinter for Florida State as well.

“He was top five in the world at one time in the 400,” Hickman said. “With track and football, it’s not hard to juggle. I think both sports have made him better in each sport.”

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