The Inside Scoop: Florida State making a move with 5-star WR Hykeem Williams

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Stranahan five-star wide receiver Hykeem Williams is the top uncommitted prospect in the country at his position.

For some time now, Texas A&M has been considered the major favorite, with a group of schools trailing significantly behind the Aggies. But behind the scenes, according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, Florida State has made up significant ground in recent months.

Williams is set to commit on Sept. 22, with those two now battling neck-and-neck to land him. He was in attendance over the weekend for the ‘Noles dramatic win over LSU, and the momentum around the program has very much made an impact on him.

“Since that visit to Tallahassee, for I think about four days in July, they’ve been picking up some momentum,” Simmons said on the latest edition of On3’s The Inside Scoop. “With [receivers coach Ron] Duggans, [head coach Mike] Norvell, the recruitment, and the opportunity to kind of be the face to help turn that program, not turn it around, but get it back to where it wants to be on top of the ACC, I think Hykeem sees a great opportunity to play at Florida State there early. He has a great connection with the coaching staff, and obviously that win was huge. “

Williams couldn’t talk directly with FSU’s staff in New Orleans because it was a neutral site game, but Simmons says that he raved about the atmosphere and the feeling he got from Florida State fans.

“He was there, he felt a lot of love from the fan base in New Orleans from Florida State,” he added. “Trust me, he was texting with that staff throughout the day, throughout the trip. And I like where Florida State is at with a commitment coming in a couple weeks.”

Hykeem Williams Recruiting Profile

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Williams is the No. 20 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 4 wide receiver and the No. 5 recruit in Florida.

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about him as a prospect:

“Physically-developed receiver with plus body control and burst. Possesses the balance and agility to make defenders miss in the open field as well as the juice to get upfield and pull through arm tackles after the catch. Has a big frame that carries his weight with ease. Measured 6-foot-2.5, 193 pounds with a 6-foot-4.5 wing-span as a junior. Shows vertical ability on 50-50 balls and on the hardwood as a basketball player.

… Averaged a double-double in points (12.2) and rebounds (10.3) on the basketball court as a junior. Totaled 31 receptions for 693 yards and 6 touchdowns his junior season. Will develop a more diverse route tree as he transitions to the college game. Has all the physical tools to potentially turn into a dominant X-type receiver at the next level. On the older end among prospects in the 2023 cycle, turning 18 during his junior season.”