Mike Norvell 'hopeful' Darion Williamson will play vs. Wake Forest

Mike Norvell was elated to see Darion Williamson make an impact in Florida State‘s victory over Boston College.

While the wide receiver has battled injuries, he suited up against the Eagles, hauling in five catches for 98 receiving yard. Moving forward, Norvell stated that he hopes to see Williamson make more highlight reel plays for the Seminoles.

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“Each experience allows you to build confidence. We’ve all watched it in practice, even though he’s been limited in his availability. You know, week-to-week, we’ve talked about that earlier in the season. But to see him do that on game day, really in what half. I think it was five catches for almost 100 yards. It was maybe eight to ten plays that he was actually in, but he’s capitalizing on them. So those opportunities are going to continue to grow because you see the confidence that’s building in him as a player,” stated Norvell. “Coming out of the weekend, we’ll continue to see how he progresses throughout this week. I’m hopeful that he’ll be able to be available, but even if not, there’s a lot of things that he should be very confident in by what he’s been able to do.

“I think he’s got a great future in front of him, it’s exciting to see him making those plays.”

Regardless of if Darion Williamson is on the field against Wake Forest for the Seminoles, Florida State has a tough test ahead. Still, they’d love to have their wide receiver in the thick of things, making plays for Mike Norvell’s squad.

Mike Norvell evaluates what 4-0 start says about how far FSU has come as a program

Moreover, Florida State remains amongst the undefeated college football teams after their 44-14 win over Boston College on Saturday. It’s the Seminole’s best start since 2015 and is a stark difference from their 0-4 start in 2021. To Mike Norvell, it’s all the product of the steps the program has taken back towards prominence.

Norvell spoke after the game about the undefeated start and what it has meant to everyone in Tallahassee. He says the team has come together and, because of that, the fanbase has rallied to create the energy that he believes is synonymous with the program.

“We’ve taken our steps. We talked about it at the beginning. It was all about building the foundation. I believe in what we do, I believe in how we do it. I believe in the young men I get to coach, I believe in the coaches I get to work with. When you see that belief collectively come together and then you see the response? I mean that crowd tonight was remarkable,” said Norvell. “The energy around campus this week? That’s what makes being a Florida State Seminole special. We got to experience that tonight and it’s what this program deserves. It’s what we’re striving to represent in how we play.”

Norvell’s team has taken step after step to get back to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2019. He started with three wins, finished with five last season, and is well on pace to top both of those by a significant amount this season. The expectations have now shifted from bowl eligibility to asking the question of what can Florida State do in the ACC this season?

However, Norvell is focused on the continued improvement of his roster. If they continue to grow how he has seen thus far, he thinks all they’re wanting to accomplish will come their way naturally.

“We know what our objective is when we’re on the field. But it not only matters what we do but how we do it,” Norvell said. “I believe our guys are playing with great heart, great discipline. We’ve still got to improve in some areas but, when you see that spirit in the way that they’re competing, we’re going to continue to get better.”