WR Williams a big challenge for Seminoles

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 ACC) have faced smaller, shiftier receivers, like North Carolina’s Ryan Switzer. And they have faced more balanced targets, such as Louisville’s James Quick.

Wi l l i a ms , wh o s t a n d s 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, will present a different challenge when the Seminoles take on the third-ranked Tigers at 8 p.m. Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

“In my opinion, we’ve faced a lot of good receivers this year,” 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 past 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 Fi sher said. “You back-shoulder and you No. 3 Clemson at No. 12 Florida State, 8 p.m., ABC

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 c h e c k d u r i n g p r e v i o u s 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.

Williams was expected to be a team leader for the Tigers in 2015, but he missed the season after sustaining a fractured neck in the season opener when he collided with a padded goal post on a touchdown reception.

One ye a r l a t e r, he has bounced back to become quarterback Deshaun Watson’s most reliable target.

A few mock drafts already have listed Williams as midto late-first-round selection in the draft.

Should those projections hold true, he could be the third Clemson receiver to go in the first round since 2013.

“Mike Williams is a great receiver,” said sophomore defensive back Tar varus McFadden. “He’s a f i r s t - round talent. A big receiver. He’s great at attacking the ball. He’s got great ball skills.

“I think that’s what separates him from a lot of the guys.”