Five Players On FSU Football's Offense Who I'm Excited To Watch This Spring
Florida State's offense has become known for its efficiency and explosive plays over the last couple of years. That mantra is going to be much of the same but also a little different in 2024 with new faces stepping into big roles for the Seminoles at quarterback and most of the skill positions.
This is a roster that lacks a ton of proven talent but the potential is there for FSU to be dangerous once again. It all starts this spring as the Seminoles try to put the pieces together that will lead them to another ACC Championship and College Football Playoff berth.
Here are five players on FSU's offense that I'm excited to watch throughout spring practice.
1. DJ Uiagalelei, Quarterback
If there was a brick wall on a football field, Jordan Travis would try to dance and elude his way around it. DJ Uiagalelei is the type of player to just run right through it. That's the exciting part of bringing in a 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback. He can do some serious damage and that power will be utilized in short-yardage situations.
Uiagalelei brings a different flavor to the offense as he's less accurate than Travis but can absolutely let it fly downfield with his ridiculous arm strength. That is something the Seminoles are playing into as they've added a few players to the roster who could be instant deep threats.
This will be the first time that FSU has had a true quarterback competition since 2021. Uiagalelei's experience and poise give him the upper hand as he tries to master his third offense in three years.
2. Hykeem Williams, Wide Receiver
Williams had most of the second half of his true freshman campaign taken away from him due to an injury that he suffered in practice. It was unfortunate because the light seemed like it was beginning to turn on for the former five-star prospect. The ailment kept him away from the field until the Orange Bowl.
There is still so much potential remaining as he tries to reach his vast ceiling. Williams has begun to take the necessary strides to keep moving in the right direction. He addressed the conditioning issues from last spring and came into the fall in much better shape. That paid off as he started to become a more consistent route-runner and put together an impressive stretch of practices.
It's the things you can't teach that makes Williams so special. He's a freaky athlete with ideal size and a competitive attitude.
3. Malik Benson, Wide Receiver
Florida State went out and added more talent across its offense during the transfer portal window to fit the style that DJ Uiagalelei is bringing to Tallahassee. As far as transfers are concerned, there might not be another player that I have more anticipation to see take the field with the Seminoles than Alabama transfer Malik Benson.
Explosive, slippery, and physical, Benson is a homerun threat on any given play. It doesn't matter whether it's a slant over the middle or a deep route, he can turn the unlikely into a touchdown with a combination move off of a broken tackle. He can run just about any route and has the necessary size.
Benson racked up a record-breaking career in junior college prior to landing with the Crimson Tide. He's someone that wide receivers coach Ron Dugans should be able to get the most out of. If so, that'll be a welcome sight for the Seminoles.
4. Landen Thomas, Tight End
The tight end room is an unknown entering the spring with Kyle Morlock as the lone returning member of the rotation from a year ago. The Seminoles will have to replace Jaheim Bell and Markeston Douglas, who both played 400+ snaps in 2023. That won't be easy and it'll probably require the coaching staff to rely on younger talent to step up.
Landen Thomas finished his senior season as one of the top high school tight ends in the country after flipping to Florida State from Georgia. A former five-star prospect, he played in an offense that didn't get the ball into his hands enough. Thomas caught 35 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns as a senior. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception over his final three seasons at Colquitt County High School.
Thomas should be a receiving threat out of the gate with his hands, athleticism, and route-running ability. Listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, it'll be important for the true freshman to continue adding quality size throughout the offseason. While he's still got a ways to go as a blocker, Thomas' effort will help him pick up the nuances of the position quicker than most.
5. TJ Ferguson, Offensive Lineman
Only a couple of years have passed since Terrence Ferguson II was regarded as a top-100 prospect and one of the highest-ranked offensive linemen in the 2021 class. He landed at Alabama amidst a deep and talented room along with injuries that prevented him from seeing the field often early in his career.
Ferguson II eventually settled in at guard and center, making his lone start for the Crimson Tide this past season. He brings adequate size coupled with a lot of potential that he is still trying to reach. The hope is that pairing him with Alex Atkins will help Ferguson II improve his consistency from play-to-play.
The Georgia native will have an opportunity to battle for a starting job. His versatility will be useful as the Seminoles can give him a look at center in the event that Maurice Smith gets banged up. Ferguson II shows off physicality at the point of attack but he's got to bring the same mentality everytime he's on the field.
READ MORE: Former FSU Football Star Jordan Travis Shows Off Progress Ahead Of NFL Combine
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