WATCH: Hykeem Williams Scores His First Touchdown In Garnet & Gold

Florida State set itself up for another dominating Saturday after taking down Syracuse 41-3 in Tallahassee. It wasn't a perfect performance as the Seminoles failed to finish a couple of drives in the first half but responded with a strong effort over the final two quarters.

Leading by multiple scores as the final frame began, the coaching staff was able to start going deeper into the roster to give younger players a chance to get on the field. That resulted in the backup offense getting an opportunity with redshirt junior quarterback Tate Rodemaker replacing starting signal-caller Jordan Travis.

It didn't take long after Rodemaker entered the game for the Seminoles to strike once again. On his fourth play from scrimmage, Rodemaker delivered a short screen pass to true freshman wide receiver Hykeem Williams. The offensive line opened up some space for Williams and he was able to do the rest with his speed and playmaking ability in the open field.

Williams put a move on a defender to spring himself loose for a 44-yard touchdown. The score marked the first for the highly-touted freshman since he signed with the Seminoles as a member of the 2023 class.

Hykeem Williams is SPECIAL pic.twitter.com/0O486TEg7W
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 14, 2023

Head coach Mike Norvell tossed plenty of praise his way following the game.

"He is absolutely ascending. He's had to go through it. One of the benefits. He got here in January, whether it's tour duty, spring practice, he learned quickly the shape that's necessary, some of the commitments and sacrifices of what it takes," Norvell said on Saturday. "That's one of the best young men, like the character of him, who he is. His smile, his approach, the joy that he has for teammates. You see that selflessness as a blocker. I was excited because you got to see him with the ball in his hands in open spaces. Took it to a whole new gear, which I was exciting for us to see.

"The last month you've seen some positive strides from him. He's building in his confidence," Norvell continued. "As a true freshman, helping us in special teams, obviously continuing to prepare for his opportunities. I thought that was a great, great play. Great plays even when he didn't have the ball in his hands."

The Florida native was regarded as a five-star prospect and the top recruit in #Tribe23. The Seminoles secured his services over programs such as Miami, Texas A&M, and Alabama. Williams has the potential to be a major playmaker as his career at Florida State progresses.

On the season, he's recorded two catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

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