It's a tall order (no kidding) for the Florida State football team to have to replace Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. What's more, they've added a new starting quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei.
So who can step up as wide receiver?
As confirmed by 247Sports, coach Mike Norvell confirmed last Wednesday that sophomore wide receiver Destin Hill was injured during spring practice and will miss the 2024 season.
Malik Benson, who is projected to be a top FSU target, is expected to be a full participant in fall camp. Benson was removed from the cart during the spring show. Coach Norvell also confirmed that the Alabama transfer will be ready by camp.
With Hill out for the year and Benson also dealing with health concerns, the depth of the wide receiver corps is in question.
Hill was a promising receiver who played in 10 games and started two. He had six catches for 87 yards last season and could have played a bigger role as a sophomore. FSU also lost Vandrevious Jacobs to the transfer portal.
Other than Benson, who is Uiagalelei's go-to target? There is no difference in the level of talent at FSU. They just aren't proven.
Advanced receiver who will see more touches
Douglas is an electric slot receiver who has shown flashes throughout his four years as a Seminole. He had 737 receiving yards and 5 TDs in his career. His career best came last season against Pittsburgh, where he had six catches for 115 yards and was named ACC Receiver of the Week for his performance. Douglas could also serve as a returning special teams player.
Poitier's biggest accomplishment came in the Capital One Orange Bowl, when he had four catches for 84 yards. Poitier has 480 yards and four touchdowns in his career.
Williamson appeared in 12 games and started two in the 2023 season. He scored his first touchdown against Southern Mississippi. He also started in the Orange Bowl, recording two catches for 38 yards.
Do new students start playing immediately?
You never know which freshmen, redshirt or true, will be able to step up and make an impact right away. FSU signed four wide receivers in this year's class.
3 people have already registered. Like their upperclassmen teammates, the youngsters have shown flashes during the spring, but it remains to be seen whether they can fill a role.
New students of interest
camden flyer
Fryer was a four-star prospect out of Lake City, Florida. Fryer is one of his three receivers who are early enrollees. Fryer was the No. 36 prospect in the state and No. 67 nationally, according to ESPN.
Lawayne McCoy
The Miami Central product was ranked No. 6 and No. 18 overall before signing with FSU as a receiver, according to 247Sports.
Jaylen Brown, Redshirt
Benson isn't the only SEC wide receiver to join the Seminoles. Brown came to FSU after redshirting at LSU last season. Before that, the Miami native was ranked the No. 68 overall prospect by ESPN. Brown also enrolled in the spring.
Other wide receivers on the roster
- Hykeem Williams, yes.
- Deuce Spann, R-Sr.
- Jeremiah Guidrys, Republican Sr.
- Carson Pearlock, Republican.
- Xavier Johnson, Republican Junior
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact me via email (PHolland@Gannett.com) or X @_Da_pistol.
