There were a few bright spots during the 2024 season for the Florida State football team. However, tight ends Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams were two youngsters that made a difference.
I was completely surprised by the development of Williams. The former five-star prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle was reclassified to 2024. Coming into the program as a 17-year-old, I thought this would be a prime opportunity for him to grow and develop as a pass rusher since the program recruited him as a defensive end.
However, the coaching staff did not want to miss out on his playmaking ability so they inserted him in the tight end position. He performed well given the circumstances, where he recorded five receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
Fast forward to the offseason, the coaching staff has decided to let him work at the defensive end spot again. He is still listed as a tight end/defensive lineman on the official roster, but the goal is to likely migrate him to the defensive side of the football.
The Seminoles were active in acquiring tight ends this offseason where they picked up UCF's Randy Pittman Jr., Arizona State's Markeston Douglas (welcome home, Biscuit!), and four-star signee Chase Loftin.
Head football coach Mike Norvell has already raved about the abilities of Loftin this spring in calling him their top target in the 2025 cycle. That means that the coaching staff will likely allow the true freshman to shine early on in his career.
On the defensive side of the football, Florida State named Terrance Knighton as the new defensive line coach. He has some new weapons to play with at defensive end such as Nebraska's James Williams, Western Kentucky's Deante McCray, Coastal Carolina's Deamontae Diggs, four-star signee LaJesse Harrold, four-star signee Tylon Lee, and three-star signees Darryl and Mandrell Desir.
This will be an adjustment period to get all of the new pieces up to speed. There isn't anyone in the rotation who will be a bonafide full-time starter even though I believe that Williams and McCray will have an excellent chance with their experience.
Nonetheless, Williams (who is listed at 6'4" and 230 pounds) will have a chance to make a name for himself on the defensive line as he helps Florida State get back to where they want to be.