One of the standout offensive players in Florida State's first spring scrimmage was running back Roydell Williams.

The Alabama transfer set the bar high for his 2024 season at FSU. He was coming off a team that reached the College Football Playoff, and Williams was joining the ACC champion. But his first season in Tallahassee resulted in just 53 rushing yards and 46 receiving yards across four games, with the majority of that (69 offensive yards) coming against Georgia Tech.

Williams suffered an injury after FSU's third game, had surgery and then returned for the regular-season finale against Florida. While an injury wasn't disclosed, Williams was seen walking around after a home game in a boot last fall.

"Right after that third week that we had, I decided to redshirt," Williams said. "I talked it over with my family. I decided that it would be the best decision for me moving forward."

Williams is healthy again and part of a deep group of backs, including Cam Akers, Caziah Holmes, Jaylin Lucas and Sam Singleton. One of the top signees in the 2025 class, Ousmane Kromah, also arrives this summer.

Lucas and Singleton have both been cited as spring standouts by coach Mike Norvell. Going back to Norvell's first spring booster tour stop in Orlando in February, the coach praised Williams for his leadership and said "I feel his investment in it."

A native of Hueytown, Ala., Williams was one of the top prep prospects in Alabama. He was recruited by Malzahn going back to his time as Auburn's head coach, and it's a relationship that has meshed well for both in Tallahassee.

"Of course I went to Alabama but the relationship is still the same," Williams said. "He comes in, ready to work. He’s fired up every day. You can just tell by the way that he comes in and the demeanor that he brings with him, he’s ready.

The Seminoles are looking to dictate on the ground in 2025, a clear identity in Malzahn's offenses at Auburn at UCF. Williams said the running backs embrace that opportunity.

"We enjoy it," Williams said. "It shows the trust they have in us to carry the load and we’re just looking forward to growing in that."

Perhaps the best news of the day came from Norvell, who announced that safety Shyheim Brown has returned to practice. Norvell said before the spring that Brown would be out for all 15 practices, but he returned to the field for practice No. 7 on Tuesday.

"I was anticipating him being out for all of it," Norvell said. "He actually got some work in today. Has done a great job in his rehab. He felt good, looked good."

-- Norvell said that what he wanted on Tuesday, coming off FSU's first scrimmage on Saturday, was to see how the Seminoles responded. “It was a good test to see the mindset and response,” Norvell said.

-- Sam Singleton's name has popped up a few times this spring. Singleton has just 149 rushing yards in 11 games across two seasons. Whether it translates to more carries this spring remains to be seen, but Singleton has clearly made an impression.

"Sam Singleton ran really hard," Norvell said. "He had some good runs, couple nice cuts. He’s a guy that I’m excited about."

-- Norvell and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn have each praised Wake Forest transfer center Luke Petitbon this spring for his leadership. On Tuesday, Norvell was asked about the offensive line and praised UCF transfer Adrian Medley.

"Medley has done an outstanding job," Norvell said. "He’s familiar with the offense. He’s got great versatility."

-- Among the younger offensive linemen, Norvell discussed Andre’ Otto and Jonathan Daniels. "I’m proud of his progression," Norvell said of Otto.

-- With the arrival of Duce Robinson (USC) and Squirrel White (Tennessee), it's expected both will be starters in a room that has seen significant turnover. Who else could be in the mix? A name we haven't heard as much about this spring is Jalen Brown, a receiver who transferred from LSU to FSU in 2024 but struggled with drops.

"A guy that I’m really proud of for the last week-plus that I’m seeing some positive strides is Jalen Brown," Norvell said. "He’s got great ability. It’s just the consistency."

-- FSU will practice again on Thursday and hold a second scrimmage on Saturday.

-- Receiver Micahi Danzy was named the ACC's rookie of the week in track after he claimed the gold in the 400 meters at the Terry Long FSU Relays.

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