Monster commitment! 5-star WR Hykeem Williams makes pledge to Florida State
It’s hard to find enough adjectives to describe what’s going on in Tallahassee with the Florida State football program — both on the field and now on the recruiting front.
The Seminoles, who are off to their best start to a season in seven years at 3-0, landed a commitment from four-star linebacker Blake Nichelson earlier this week. And now, they have reeled in an even bigger fish.
Five-star wide receiver Hykeem Williams, who could sign with virtually any program in the country, announced Friday that he is committing to Florida State. He chose the ‘Noles over Texas A&M, Pitt and several other schools.
During a ceremony at Stranahan High School, Williams created some drama by first tossing aside a Florida State hat. But after grabbing a Miami hat, he quickly asked someone to bring out his college jersey. And it was former FSU great Peter Warrick carrying a No. 1 Florida State jersey.
Former FSU great Marvin “Snoop” Minnis also was in attendance to congratulate Williams on the decision.
*ALSO SEE: Hykeem William discusses his decision to commit to FSU
*ALSO SEE: More from Michael Langston on the backstory of Williams’ commitment
For a long time during the recruiting process, Williams appeared to be headed to College Station, Texas, to join the Aggies. But a three-day visit to Tallahassee in July made a major impact.
“Them boys work and I love to work, so I liked what they do,” Williams told Warchant and other reporters after watching the Seminoles’ preseason practices during his visit. “I love how they are always running and everything is fast with things they do at practice. Coach [Ron] Dugans really knows what he’s talking about. He gets you prepared for sure for the NFL.”
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Along with his connection to Dugans, the Seminoles’ receivers coach, Williams said he also sensed a “brotherhood” inside the program. He also was blown away by the campus tours.
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“This is a unique campus. It gives you a really historic vibe,” Williams said. “Everywhere you go on this campus, there is a unique vibe about it. And the people are so real.”
*ALSO SEE: FSU lands a ‘Sunday-type’ player in 5-star WR Hykeem Williams
*ALSO SEE: Big recruiting visit weekend on tap for Seminoles
If Williams’ interest in the ‘Noles wasn’t evident by his multiple trips to Tallahassee, he took things up another notch when he went to New Orleans to watch FSU take on LSU earlier this month. The upset victory for the Seminoles was another step in the right direction.
“They work crazy hard,” Williams told On3’s Joseph Hastings after that trip. “I didn’t think they worked that hard.”
FSU now has 17 commitments for the 2023 class, and Williams is the first five-star prospect in the fold.
If he ends up signing with the ‘Noles, he will be Mike Norvell’s first five-star signee in Tallahassee.
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