FSU Football Spring Wide Receiver Preview: Can the 'Noles Reload After Stellar Season?
The Florida State Seminoles are heading into spring camp this month with momentum after wrapping up their offseason Tour of Duty workouts. There will be many question marks this spring for the wide receiver room due to the departures of FSU's top two playmakers from a year ago. However, with promising incoming freshmen and experienced veteran transfers, paired with the existing depth, there is a lot to look forward to as the 2024 season approaches.
Departures:
Keon Coleman (NFL), Johnny Wilson (NFL), and Josh Burrell (transfer)
FSU will be losing two major weapons in Wilson and Coleman and the opportunity to replace them starts this spring. They combined for a total of 1273 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023 so the 'Noles will need to find that production on the outside elsewhere.
Returners:
Redshirt senior Kentron Poiter, redshirt Ja'Khi Douglas, redshirt senior Darion Williamson, redshirt senior Deuce Spann, sophomore Hykeem Williams, sophomore Destyn Hill, and redshirt freshman Vandrevious Jacobs
New Additions:
Senior Malik Benson (Alabama), redshirt freshman Jalen Brown (LSU), four-star Camdon Frier, four-star Lawayne McCoy, and four-star BJ Gibson
Projected Depth Chart:
Wide Receiver:
- Kentron Poitier, RS Sr.
- Hykeem Williams So.
Wide Receiver:
- Darion Williamson, RS Sr./Malik Benson, Sr.
- Vandrevius Jacobs, RS Fr./Jalen Brown, RS Fr.
Slot Wide Receiver:
- Ja'Khi Douglas, RS Sr.
- Destyn Hill, So.
- Camdon Frier, Fr./Lawayne McCoy, Fr.
Spring Outlook:
The good news is that Florida State has recruited well at the wide receiver position and has a veteran presence to help lead the room this year. The 'Noles need weapons for transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei to throw to, and Douglas has proven that he can be a difference-maker. However, he's only 5'9" which means FSU needs size to replace Wilson's freakish 6'7'' and 85-inch wingspan, along with Coleman's 6'3'', 215-pound playmaking ability. The only receiver on the roster that comes close to that in size is Spann (6'4'') but he has yet to consistently be a playmaker although head coach Mike Norvell has praised his potential since he made an appearance on the depth chart.
Williams, along with Hill, flashed in their debut season and bring a lot of upside as they continue to develop into their top-tier billing. Williams had five receptions and a score while he dealt with injuries in 2023 and Hill had six receptions for 87 yards playing in a reserve role.
Poitier and Williamson were both sidelined behind Coleman and Wilson with injuries but have also shown in the past that they can take over games. They both played in five games last season and totaled 263 yards and a score combined. Jacobs was also dealing with a nagging injury but at full health, he is a promising candidate with his speed and playmaking ability.
As far as the newcomers, the only proven player at the collegiate level is Benson who had 163 yards and a score at Alabama in 2023. Coaches have raved about his leadership and potential and Norvell pointed out how excited he was about the addition after Tour of Duty. Frier, McCoy, Brown, and Gibson were all highly sought-after prospects but they have yet to show it at FSU and we will need to prove their roles on the depth chart as spring and fall camps progress.
There will be a lot to learn about replacing the production from one of the country's most explosive offenses, but there are highlights from a season ago to look forward to on the roster.
Previous Spring Position Previews:
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