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Mike Norvell addressed the media for his weekly press conference ahead of the Memphis game on Saturday. During the presser, a few of the most notable updates were related to injuries and important status updates on a trio of Seminoles.
As if the Seminole faithful haven’t received enough bad news already, the hits kept coming with the announcement that RB Jaylin Lucas will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. Norvell stated that Lucas sustained an injury during the BC game last week, but has a redshirt available, so this may not be the last time we see him in garnet and gold. Unfortunately, Lucas is a big loss as he has been one of FSU’s most explosive players on offense this season.
This comes on the heels of Norvell admitting that they needed to make him a larger part of the game plan going forward after the Georgia Tech game. He led the Noles in yards per carry at 6.5 (more than 2 YPC higher than any other back) and had also made some big plays in the passing game. We want to wish Lucas a speedy recovery.
On a positive note… FINALLY! Mike Norvell also revealed that former 5-star WR Hykeem Williams is expected to be available this week against Memphis. Williams came into fall camp in great shape and looking ready to contribute but has been sidelined with an injury during the first two games of the season. His presence will make an impact in the passing game as well as a run blocker due to his physical size and stature. Williams flashed his potential in limited work last season and was someone that we were excited to see in action this year.
With FSU’s struggles in the passing game, which has been due to a combination of poor quarterback play, dropped passing, and receivers having difficulty creating separation, we’re thankful to have him back in the rotation to hopefully give this offense a spark. On paper, Williams is the most talented receiver in the group and has now had a year of development. His return will give FSU a big-bodied receiver with the speed to leave defenders in the dust. He could be a game-changer if passes reach him on target.
Norvell was also asked about FSU’s starting right tackle, Jeremiah Byers, who missed the Boston College game due to injury. Norvell stated, “We will see how JB progresses. Not expecting that to be long-term.” While that is not the most revealing statement one way or the other, my interpretation is that it doesn’t sound like he will be available against Memphis, or at least not at 100% if so. While he is listed as the starter on the depth chart, he was also listed there last week against BC after being ruled out, so I would take that with a grain of salt.
Against Boston College, we saw a mix of Robert Scott and Jaylen Early filling in for Byers. This was Early’s first time getting meaningful snaps and Norvell said there were some good things and moments where he can be better. From a PFF grade standpoint, Early was the highest-graded offensive lineman in the game at 75.2 meanwhile Scott, who played twice as many snaps, earned a grade of 54.2. I will mention the fewer snaps you play the less reliable your grade can be, however, the redshirt sophomore looked promising his first time seeing game action.
The Lucas news is disappointing, but it will open the door for guys like Micahi Danzy, who was mentioned by Norvell, and potentially Sam Singleton to get an opportunity. They were two guys who we heard a lot about in fall camp but have not seen in action yet this season.
Kentron Poitier flashed in the Boston College game last week, so having more of him along with Hykeem Williams should be a plus in the passing game. This offense needs something to give it a spark. Hopefully, they were able to work on some things during the bye week, and with Hykeem back in the fold, will perform better against Memphis. Thanks for reading and Go Noles!
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