Mike Norvell discusses Hykeem Williams, excitement for his future
Florida State freshman Hykeem Williams has impressed Mike Norvell. Earlier this week, the FSU head coach broke down the wide receiver’s rapid improvement.
“He’s definitely put himself in a position [to play],” Norvell said. “He’s just getting in shape. I mean, his first nine months here it was a process. Now that he’s in shape, you see him starting to utilize his mind, his fundamentals, being able to apply the technique.”
Williams’ technique helped him pick up his first collegiate reception during FSU’s 66-13 win over Southern Miss on Saturday. While it was his only catch, he tallied nine yards; nine yards that made quite an impression on Norvell.
“He’s definitely got the want-to,” Norvell said. “He’s a great young man. I think he’s got a special future and definitely excited about what he’s bringing to that receiver room. When you have that type of work ethic and that type of passion to get better, good things are gonna happen.”
While Williams has potential, FSU has no shortage of talent already in the wide receiver room. The Seminoles are averaging 305 passing yards per game, the 25th-most in the country. Of course, FSU’s stars out wide are headlined by Keon Coleman.
Coleman averages 85 receiving yards per contest while boasting four receiving touchdowns this season, good for the fifth-most nationally. Although players like Coleman draw endless attention, Norvell isn’t allowing Williams’ growth to go unnoticed.
“Now that [Williams] has gotten to a point where he’s in much better shape, you’re we’re able to see better flashes of what we think he’s going to become,” Norvell said.
Norvell pushes his players to their potential
Norvell believes Florida State is the perfect place for a playmaker like Williams. Through two games this season, the Seminoles have averaged 55.5 points per game with a 45-point showing against LSU and 66 points against Southern Miss.
Earlier this week, Norvell spoke on the importance of putting his talent in the best position possible.
“It’s my job as a head coach — offense, defense and special teams — to make sure that we’re showcasing all the skills and talents of our players, being able to work that together,” Norvell said. “We want to always have a plan. We’re going to try to attack in a variety of different ways to put our guys in the best matchups, whether you’re going against zone coverage, man coverage. Whatever you need to see. Running the ball, obviously throwing the ball. It’s about helping position your players and giving them all the resources through their technique and their fundamentals to go win the one-on-one.”
Williams will attempt to impress Norvell again as the Seminoles square off with Boston College on Saturday at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC.