FSU football: How 5-star Hykeem Williams commitment impacts the Noles

Five-star wide receiver Hykeem Williams committed to FSU football Friday afternoon on CBS Sports HQ. The Noles had been trending over the past few weeks, anchored by impressive performances against LSU and Louisville.

The aerial attack has been one of the most explosive nationally, and the FSU wide receivers provided more proof of concept of what’s possible in Mike Norvell’s offense.

FSU quarterback Jordan Travis ranks in the top 25 nationally in several categories, and FSU wide receiver Johnny Wilson ranked No. 5 nationally in average yards per reception.

We have to remember that FSU has played against two Power Five defenses, whereas several teams have played against two lower-level teams in their first three games.

The crazy part about FSU wide receiver recruiting is they already have two VERY good players committed in Vandrevious Jacobs and Darren Lawrence.

Jacobs should have a blue-chip ranking, and Lawrence had excellent production in Florida’s highest classification as a junior in 2021.

FSU didn’t sign a single high school receiver in the last recruiting cycle, and we buried FSU wide receiver coach Ron Dugans for his failures. However, credit is due. Let’s discuss how Hykeem Williams’ commitment impacts the Noles.

Elite Talent/Early Contributor

FSU football had a roster of talented wide receivers from a physical standpoint as late as 2020.

However, most of those players left the program for whatever reason, which left FSU with the worst wide receiver corps in the ACC in 2021

The Noles haven’t had a wide receiver with over 400 receiving yards since Tamorrion Terry had 1,188 receiving yards in 2019.

QB and offensive line issues haven’t helped, but the lack of talent is why FSU coaches raided the transfer portal for four players after the 2021 season.

I’m not sure if he’ll be an early enrollee or not. If so, that will help this take, but Hykeem Williams has the talent to be an immediate contributor to Mike Norvell’s offense.

His combination of size, speed, and body control is something you can’t teach. Those deeps shots we’ve seen this season to Johnny Wilson and Malik McClain?

That’s where a player like Hykeem Williams can be a difference-maker as a true freshman. He’s a player that can win on 50-50 balls, and FSU hasn’t had that from a freshman in quite some time.

Recruiting Momentum

The addition of Blake Nichelson was big for this coaching staff, but I think most in the know felt like Nichelson was a done deal.

Despite all of the momentum and predictions favoring FSU for Williams, it wasn’t until he announced his decision that folks felt ultimate relief.

I understand he still has to sign, but even still, FSU coaches can use this commitment as a way to influence other top players to choose FSU. After all, top players want to play with top players, and all it takes is one to start the trend.

Williams’ commitment boosts the Noles to top 15 nationally, with more potential blue-chip recruits on the recruiting board who could choose the Noles. Williams’ commitment also puts the Noles back at a 50 percent blue chip ratio with eight blue-chip players out of 16 high school commits.

FSU coaches haven’t signed a class higher than 37 percent blue-chip ratio since Mike Norvell came to FSU football. The COVID pandemic influenced a lot since the coaching staff couldn’t see recruits in person until June 2021.

A terrible on the field product took care of the rest. Now that the effects of the pandemic on recruiting are gone, and the product on the field is better?

Hykeem Williams could be the key to FSU signing more elite players as long as they finish the season strong.