Clemson's Mike Williams won't be the first dynamic offensive player Florida State has faced this season. He could, however, be the most physically impressive wide receiver.
The No. 12 Seminoles (5-2, 2-2) have faced smaller, shiftier receivers, like North Carolina's Ryan Switzer. And more balanced targets, such as Louisville's James Quick.
Williams, who stands 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, will present a different challenge when the Seminoles take on the No. 3 Tigers this Saturday at 8 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium.
"In my opinion, we've faced a lot of good receivers this year," FSU junior defensive back Trey Marshall said. "But he does bring a different talent level with what he does."
Through seven games, Williams has 39 receptions for 578 yards, which are both team highs. All four of his touchdowns have come in the last four games.
Along with his great size, the redshirt junior has more than enough speed to slip behind a defensive back and allow his quarterback to take a shot down the field. Or if the Tigers (7-0, 4-0) are in a goal-line situation, he can use his size, agility and body control to compete for any pass in the end zone.
"He's covered, but he's never covered," Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said. "You back-shoulder and you throw it high, the body, the range, the catch radius, all those types of things. Then he's got great athleticism and speed, and they utilize him on the backside a lot and in single-coverages a lot. He's a really good player."
FSU's defense has managed to keep Williams in check during previous encounters. As a freshman in 2013, he caught two passes for 35 yards in a 51-14 Florida State victory. Williams had two catches for 72 yards during a 23-17 FSU win in 2014.
