Mike Norvell assesses where Florida State wide receivers stand

Mike Norvell had the difficult task of replacing a few elite pass catchers for Florida State. Wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson are the main two after combining for 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. Tight end Jaheim Bell has moved on from the program too after his lone season in Tallahassee.

Florida State did dip into the NCAA transfer portal for some wide receiver talent, along with bringing some true freshmen in via the 2024 recruiting class. Their development has been a big storyline during fall camp, needing a few players to grow into a role. Norvell recently gave an update on the process, saying the Seminoles are still waiting to see exactly who steps up.

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“I think they’re continuing to grow and improve,” Norvell said. “Excited. I think we’ve got some guys that have really established themselves as go-to type players. Now, what does that rotation — the guys who are going to go out there and make an impact on Saturdays — who is that going to be?

“For however long you’ve been here, it comes down to going out there and executing, making the play when you have the opportunity. So, I’m excited to see the continued growth.”

A depth chart was released ahead of the Georgia Tech game in Dublin. Three starters are listed — Alabama transfer Malik Benson, former LSU receiver Jalen Brown, and redshirt senior Ja’Khi Douglas. Those three are expected to be the primary targets for DJ Uiagalelei to start out.

But Jeff Cameron of On3’s Warchant argues by midseason, Florida State may be looking at true freshmen to be not just the future at wide receiver but the present.

“I think by the midseason report card, we’ll be looking at the freshmen receivers — perhaps a sophomore in Hykeem Williams,” Cameron said during Wednesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “We’re going to be looking at those guys and saying ‘Well, there’s the future for Florida State. It’s not any seniors or juniors. It’s in the freshman and sophomores.’”

Elijah Moore and Lawayne McCoy are the two names Cameron mentioned, specifically. Both were blue-chip prospects coming out of high school and have had a chance to impress.

Fall camp is all but over for Florida State with kickoff overseas less than 48 hours away. Norvell will get a glimpse of his receiving corps in game action on Saturday against an ACC opponent, providing a few answers.