'Confident about the depth': Florida State football should have deeper receiver rotation

The glimpses of greatness Darion Williamson has recently flashed in practice only provided more evidence.

Evidence that Florida State should feature a much deeper wide receiver rotation this season.

Transfers Johnny Wilson (Arizona State) and Mycah Pittman (Oregon), fifth-year senior Ontaria Wilson and sophomore Malik McClain seem poised to lead the Seminoles in receiving. There are a handful of intriguing options behind them, though, that could also push for playing time.

Williamson quickly joined that group of burgeoning reserves following his return to practice on Aug. 2. The redshirt sophomore missed the first five practices of preseason camp after being involved in a car accident that supposedly left him with minor injuries.

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The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Williamson may have put together his best showing of the offseason in FSU’s practice Wednesday.

“He was somebody who we were really excited about coming whenever we signed him,” Seminole head coach Mike Norvell said. “But we knew there would be a process with his growth.

“The things that we think he’s capable of doing, he’s starting to put on display. And he’s an incredibly hard worker. You see overall improvement in his ball skills. You see the strength that he’s been able to develop. How strong of a runner he is. He is great with the ball in his hands.

“But he has provided glimpses of that, and we need the consistency.”

Norvell might look to play receivers like Williamson more if FSU builds a sizable enough lead in its season opener against Duquesne, which takes place at 5 p.m. ET Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Veteran Keyshawn Helton, former quarterback Deuce Spann, utility player Ja’Khi Douglas and big-bodied Kentron Poitier are among the Seminoles’ other receivers who could crack the rotation.

“I feel very confident about the depth that has been developed at that group,” Norvell said. “And with the way those guys are working, with whatever the opportunities are, they are going to get the chance to show who they are and what they are all about. Some guys will get more, and some guys will get less.”

FSU lacked receiver depth in Norvell’s first two seasons with the program. Only five receivers recorded at least 12 catches last season, and just three tallied more than seven receptions in 2020.

Norvell said he tends to prefer featuring seven receivers but is open to involving more players at the position if it makes sense.

“To be able to keep guys playing at an elite level throughout the course of the game, we want to play with tempo. We want to be able to play fast,” Norvell said. “And if you are snapping the ball 85 times, and all of those guys who are in the rotation have an impact on special teams as well, you have a chance to really be a solid group.

“Yes, you are going to have guys emerge as go-to guys. But ultimately, you are going to be a go-to guy when the ball is coming to you. So you have to be on point. You have to be focused on those little things and details.

“And then you’ve got to make plays and get the opportunity.”

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Deuce Spann could start against Duquesne

By FSU’s 15th and final practice of the spring, Deuce Spann seemed to be buried in the depth chart.

Now, the Illinois transfer has a chance to start in game one.

The Seminoles listed Spann and Ontaria Wilson as equal possibilities to start at one receiver position in their two-deep depth chart Monday. Spann, a former quarterback who converted to receiver with the Illini last season, impressed so much in preseason camp this month that he earned a significant role in the offense.

How FSU plans to exactly use Spann, though, remains to be seen.

“Hopefully a big one,” said Norvell on the role he envisions for the 6-4, 203-pound Spann. “He is a very explosive player. … He’s continuing to grow and develop. He has only played the position for a little over a year. The sky’s the limit for him as well.

“I’m excited for Saturday to see how he’s going to be able to make an impact on the game and his future ahead.”

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Ja’Khi Douglas out indefinitely with injury

Ja’Khi Douglas will not play against Duquesne, Norvell announced.

Which explains why FSU didn’t list the receiver/running back hybrid in its most recent depth chart.

“He got banged up a little bit in one of the scrimmages, so he’s not going to be available here this week,” Norvell said. “He will be back soon.”

Douglas ranked fourth on the Seminoles with 255 receiving yards on 14 catches last season. He also recorded a receiving touchdown. His 244 receiving yards in the four games he earned more than 16 snaps – Notre Dame (22), Miami (27), Boston College (49) and Florida (55) – easily led the team.

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GAME INFORMATION

Who: FSU vs. Duquesne

When/Where: Saturday, 5 p.m., Doak Campbell Stadium

TV/Radio: ACC Network/94.9 FM

Live game updates: www.Tallahassee.com; @CarterKarels on Twitter; @Ehsan_Kassim on Twitter; @JimHenryTALLY on Twitter

Reach Carter Karels at ckarels@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @CarterKarels. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: Seminoles should have deep receiver rotation in 2022 season