And the Seminoles have a good chance of being offensive again.
FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
Florida State’s offense has been known for its effectiveness and explosiveness in recent years. That mantra is the same, but slightly different, in 2024 with new faces stepping into big roles for the Seminoles at quarterback and most of the skill positions.
This roster has proven a lot of talent, but there is a chance that FSU will get another chance. It all starts this spring as the Seminoles try to put the pieces together for another ACC championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Here are five players FSU and its offense will want to watch during spring practice.
1. DJ Uiagalelei, quarterback
If there was a brick wall on the football field, Jordan Travis would dance around it. DJ Uiagalelei is the type of player who keeps running. That’s the interesting part about bringing in the 6-foot-4, 235-pound quarterback. He can deal serious injuries and use his strength in short bursts.
Uiagalelei is less accurate than Travis, but adds a different flavor to the offense as he can run down the field with ridiculous arm strength. This is something the Seminoles benefit from, adding some players to the roster that can be a threat up close.
This will be FSU’s first quarterback competition since 2021. Uiagalelend’s experience and composure will remain as he tries to dominate the offense for the third time in as many years.
2. Hykeem Williams, receiver
Williams was injured most of the second half of his freshman year. Unfortunately, the light seems to have gone out for the former 5-star prospect. Illness kept him off the field until the Orange Bowl.
We still have a long way to go to try to reach that big ceiling. William began to take the necessary steps to continue on the right path. He addressed last spring’s conditioning issues and entered the fall in much better shape. It paid off when he started to be more consistent with competitive runs and practices.
William’s specialty is one that cannot be taught. Heand is a great competitor with a competitive nature.
3. Malik Benson, wide receiver
Florida State added talent throughout the offense in the transfer window to match the style DJ Uiagalelei is bringing to Tallahassee. As transfers go, there may not have been a candidate more excited to take the field for the Seminoles than Alabama transfer Malik Benson.
Explosive, slippery, physical, Benson is aggressive in all sports. It doesn’t matter if it’s a slant on an intermediate route or a deep route, he can move on a broken tackle set and turn it into nothing to touch down. He can run just about any route and has the necessary size.
Benson racked up a record-breaking career in junior college prior to landing with the Crimson Tide. Heand#039;s someone that wide receivers coach Ron Dugans should be able to get the most out of. If so, thatand#039;ll be a welcome sight for the Seminoles.
4. Landen Thomas, Tight End
The tight end room was unknown entering the spring with Kyle Morlock as the only member of the rotation from a year ago. The Seminoles must replace Jaheim Bell and Markeston Douglas, who combined for more than 400 snaps in 2023. It won’t be easy, but the coaching staff needs to trust the young talent.
Landen Thomas finished his senior season as one of the top high school prospects in the country after transferring from Georgia to Florida State University. The former five-star scout ran an offense that couldn’t get a hand on the ball. Thomas caught 35 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns as a senior. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception his final three years at Colquitt County High School.
Thomas should be a threat out of the gate with his hands, athleticism and route running ability. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, it will be important for the freshman to continue to add quality size throughout the season. You must always have a way to use it to stop, but Thomas and The skill will help you understand the characteristics of the position faster than others.
5. TJ Ferguson, Offensive Lineman
It was only a while ago that Terrence Ferguson II was considered a top 100 prospect and one of the best offensive linemen in the class of 2021. That was two years ago. He landed at Alabama in the middle of a deep and talented field and injuries kept him off the field early in his career.
Ferguson II played guard and center and was the only starter for the Crimson Tide last season. Give the size and number of opportunities you are always trying to get. Hopefully pairing him with Alex Atkins will help Ferguson II improve his consistency from game to game.
Georgians have a chance to fight for jobs. His skill set will come in handy as the Seminoles could give him the center position if Maurice Smith struggles. Ferguson II is physical on offense, but he has to bring that mentality every time he steps on the floor.
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