Florida State really struggled to move the ball through the air in Week 0 against Georgia Tech, but was hoping to get a boost to its passing game against Boston College.
Unfortunately for the Seminoles, freshman wide receiver Hykeem Williams was ruled out for the second-straight week, putting added pressure once again on the rest of the Florida State receivers
Star Florida State Freshman Hykeem Williams Out for Week 1
After laying an egg overseas in Week 0 against Georgia Tech, the Seminoles are looking to bounce back against Boston College. But eh passing game will once again be under scrutiny without Williams.
Simply put, Florida State’s downfield passing attack in Week 0 was disasterous.
It looked like quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei had no confidence in any of his receivers and repeatedly checked the ball down instead of pushing it down the field. Once again without Williams, someone else will need to step up for Florida State.
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Williams had five catches for 80 yards as a true freshman and was expected to be a much bigger contributor in 2024 following the departure of playmakers like Keon Coleman and Jaheim Bell.
Sources: Florida State will be without promising young WR Hykeem Williams, a potential starter this season, against Georgia Tech today. He’s got a minor injury and is expected to return soon. He had 5 catches for 80 yards as a true freshman. pic.twitter.com/0LZFikOb2J
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 24, 2024
While Williams was listed as a backup at the receiver position behind star Malik Benson, he was expected to have a huge role in 2024.
The injury, per On3’s Pete Nakos, is enough to hold Williams out in Week 1, even though it was reported last week to not be serious.
Kentron Poitier, Ja’Khi Douglas To Play Bigger Roles
With Williams injured, other playmakers on the outside will need to step up in his stead.
The star is expected to be Benson, a transfer from Alabama who had 13 catches for 162 yards with the Crimson Tide last season, but others will need to step up, too.
Ja’Khi Douglas will likely start in the slot, and the fifth-year senior will look for a breakout year. He has 45 career catches, but no more than 15 in a single season.
Kentron Poitier is another big body who will likely take Williams’ spot on the depth chart. He only had six catches last season, though four came in the Orange Bowl against Georgia.
Florida State and Boston College play in Tallehassee at 7:30 EST on ESPN. Follow College Football Network for coverage throughout the college football season.
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