THE REAL DEAL
There were only a few bright spots in what was such a dark season for the Florida State Seminoles in 2024. Fans like me had to suffer through the hardships that were witnessed in Doak Campbell Stadium, but it wasn't all bad, as the program went to a "youth movement" when things went south.
Let me say that the offense for Florida State was horrendous last year, and there is no real way to sugarcoat what transpired. However, there were players on that side of the football that flashed, and one of those contributors was sophomore Amaree Williams.
Williams wasn't even supposed to contribute as he was part of the 2025 recruiting class as a top athlete, but he was able to reclassify to 2024. This allowed fans to suggest that it was a year to grow, learn, and develop for the North Palm Beach, Florida, native. The coaching staff originally recruited him as a defensive end, but they felt that his talent was too good to pass up to keep him off the field.
The sophomore was moved over to the tight end position. They already had someone in Landen Thomas that they liked, but it became a duo that had some potential.
While I am not suggesting that the pair was among the nation's elite, Williams had a couple of moments that made you think that he could be groomed into something with substance. He recorded five receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns last season.
The athlete is listed as a tight end/defensive end on the official roster, and I expect him to play more defensive end this year since the void will be felt with Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr. gone (I cannot believe I just said that...). He is listed at 6'4" and 230 pounds, so he is growing into his frame.
Since Tennessee defensive lineman transfer Jayson Jenkins could be out for a while with a potential injury, it could be a perfect time for Williams to be part of the rotation with James Williams, Deante McCray, and Deamontae Diggs at defensive end, and then turn around on the offensive side and catch passes for Thomas Castellanos at tight end.
That would be an ideal situation for the Seminoles as they look to have a spark in 2025.