Florida State expected to get key offensive weapon back to face Miami

It looks like FSU will get an additional boost to the running game this weekend against Miami with the return of Roydell Williams.

​Williams, who has missed the past three games with a lower-leg injury, is on track to return, according to head coach Mike Norvell. He was listed as a co-starter on the official depth chart this week.

​"I thought Roydell looked good," Norvell said.

Williams' time at FSU has been marred by injuries and periods of ineffectiveness. He played in just four games last season and had 26 carries for 53 yards with a touchdown. He also had five catches for 46 yards. Williams had six carries for 14 yards against Alabama in his only action this season.

Where does Williams fit in this week?

The FSU running game has been buzzing so far this season and is currently No. 2 in the nation. Gavin Sawchuk has established himself as the number one back, leading the Seminoles with 234 yards, and Ousmane Kromah has gotten the second-most work with 174 yards on 28 carries. 

Obviously, quarterback Tommy Castellanos is a major part of the rushing attack as well, and is second on the team with 217 yards. And don't forget the versatile skills of Micahi Danzy, who is the big-play guy and will get at least a touch or two in the backfield. 

Williams was getting plenty of praise in the offseason and during training camp, which earned him a starting role. He is also highly-regarded as a blocker in the backfield, probably the best among the running backs. Williams' production will have to improve, or he'll be completely buried on the depth chart behind Sawchuk and Kromah. 

WR Boggs is on track to play, DB Barker is questionable

Freshman wide receiver Jayvan Boggs also missed the Virginia game, but Norvell is hopeful that he will return this week. He has four catches for 33 yards this season as the Seminoles continue to look for another receiver to take some of the attention off of Duce Robinson.

"Boggs is coming along. I felt good about where he's at....we were hopeful about last week, around [game time] he wasn't fully ready to go out there. Expecting more this week," Norvell said.

A bigger concern is starting safety Ashlynd Barker, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. Barker is a big piece of the defense as his versatility allows Tony White to move him around to help with rushing the passer or disguising some looks.

"Ash is still progressing, so we'll see. These next couple of days will be big for both of them.I think we're trending the right way, but we'll see where it gets to," Norvell concluded.