The Florida State Seminoles are getting ready to begin their season against Georgia Tech on September 2, 2024, without one of their young, promising stars. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Hykeem Williams is going to sit out the season opener due to a “minor” injury, FSU shared in an injury update earlier in the day. On the bright side, it is believed to be a very, very short-term deal, and Williams will return to the field very soon.
Florida State Faces Transition
Williams was a highly-touted 5-star recruit from the 2023 class. He played very little as a freshman, making five catches for 80 yards, and was listed behind Malik Benson on the depth chart the Seminoles released. The expectation is that Benson, the transfer from Alabama, would be the lead receiver. Kentron Poitier, another backup, provided depth behind Benson.
The Seminoles have made big changes in their receiver lineup, particularly this year. That is because Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, and Jaheim Bell, the top targets last season, moved on to the NFL. Combined, that trio hauled in an astonishing 130 catches, 1,778 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 2023. Loads of production need to be replaced, with Williams and Benson being two players who will have to step into that breach.
By losing their leading receivers, Florida State also lost the set-up men. Their biggest receiving threat this year could be tight end Kyle Morlock. His 255 yards on 19 catches last year are the top returning yards on the team. And with as many newcomers expected to see playing time as the Florida State Seminoles have, it will be crucial to get a consistent passing game established early in the year.
Malik Benson: The Transfer Addition
One to watch is Malik Benson, who comes in from Alabama. He was ranked No. 78 in the transfer portal as a 4-star prospect, so he is expected to make big contributions in that regard. In his time with the Crimson Tide last year, Benson had 13 catches for 162 yards and one touchdown. His experience will come in handy in terms of the development of chemistry and finding an offensive rhythm for the Seminoles.
Florida State, ranked No. 10 in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25, aims to come out of the gate fast. The Florida State Seminoles started strong a year ago with high expectations but were unable to qualify for the College Football Playoff even after going 13-0 and winning an ACC Championship; they got thumped by Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Now, they look forward to bouncing back to take it deeper this year.
Looking Forward
What everybody is going to zero in on now is how new and returning players will step up against Georgia Tech. Although Hykeem Williams won’t play, the depth and talent FSU has should help them get through this bump. Fans are watching and wondering how the team can adapt and turn to key guys in place of Williams.
While it is unfortunate that Williams won’t be out on the field for the opener, the Florida State Seminoles are ready to charge forward toward their seasonal goals. With a mix of seasoned transfers and young talent coming into their own, Florida State looks to prove they’re a team to be reckoned with in the 2024 college football scene.
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