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FSU football freshmen Landen Thomas, Amaree Williams represent legit hope for future
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- FSU football freshmen Landen Thomas, Amaree Williams represent legit hope for future
Florida State football's tight end room has evolved this season.
Kyle Morlock set preseason camp on fire and was expected to be a key contributor for the Seminoles in his second year with the program. However, with drops and miscommunications on routes far too present, the veteran tight end's struggles opened the door for true freshmen Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams to step up.
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The pair of tight ends have shone in the Seminoles ' last two games. In the 42-16 loss to SMU , Thomas caught his first touchdown pass and was rewarded with his first start in the 29-13 loss vs. Clemson the following week.
In that game, he led all receivers with 80 yards on seven catches and Williams caught his first touchdown pass with an acrobatic diving effort vs. the Tigers .
"Those are a couple of guys trying to take advantage of the opportunity," Norvell said after Clemson . "There is still a lot of areas where those guys have to grow and what they've got to do. You saw them take positive steps."
"There were definitely some positives from that room that we will be able to take and have those guys grow from."
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Following the loss to SMU , Norvell said the tight end room had to be better . Thomas and Williams responded to that challenge and gave the Seminoles a reliable set of hands for Brock Glenn to throw to vs. Clemson.
Thomas showcased his athleticism in the open field, taking on defenders by making quick cuts and attempting to gain extra yardage. Williams made a catch that few, if any, players on the team were making with his diving effort in a contested endzone.
"Honestly I just been getting prepared and waiting for opportunity," Williams said. "The opportunity came upon me. Seen the ball up in the air and I was like "Man I got to go get that."
"Brock had an amazing pass and I made a play."
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Thomas and Williams waited for an opportunity, continuing to work for more
Oct 5, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles tight end Landen Thomas (18) runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
While both excelled at the pass-catching aspect of tight end, blocking still presented a challenge for the pair. That is something that Norvell and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins think will become easier for the duo as their bodies develop.
Atkins said that the freshmen are in the weight room regularly, doing two workouts a day to bulk up and speed up development.
"They are taking that double load which you are seeing their bodies progress," Atkins said. "Once they get that part it will help us a lot. But they are helping us now with the things they do naturally, work ethic and understanding."
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Williams always seems to have a smile on his face when around the campus facilities while Thomas keeps a calm demeanor. However, both of them share the same mentality when it comes to preparation.
The duo shares a strong bond and Williams even told Thomas one of them would catch a touchdown pass if given the opportunity vs. SMU. Thomas got his score on his first career catch, then Williams said Atkins told him it was his time vs. Clemson.
"I told him 'One of us is getting a touchdown," Williams said. "When the opportunity comes just be ready. That night he had a big play. Then coach Atkins called it out, 'You going to get one tonight."
"High hopes and the opportunity came across."
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A bright future for the Seminoles' tight end room
In his two appearances, Thomas has recorded eight catches for 100 yards, making an instant impact. In just two games, he's matched Morlock's eight catches and is just seven yards off the redshirt senior's total of 107 yards this season.
He called his performance vs. Clemson a confidence booster. Thomas said he's still looking at improving on little things that he can be better at.
"I'm getting comfortable, I have something to work on every week," Thomas said. "I'm getting comfortable for sure. Just got to keep working."
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Both players had strong practices during the bye week. While Williams is finding his footing at the tight end role, he still plans to play the edge position for the Seminoles when his body develops.
He said that he wants to play both ways, with the tight end position giving him the best chance to make an immediate impact.
Atkins thinks if Williams sticks with the position alongside Thomas they can form a special duo for the Seminoles.
"Those are two long, lean, athletic bodies that can go catch and run routes. They've always excelled at that." Atkins said. "I was proud to see Landen bounce back, he was out this summer, so it's good to see him work his way back out of the green jersey and start executing at a high level. Amaree a guy who is supposed to be in high school, As their bodies develop other aspects of their game will develop."
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"Running routes and catching. They'll be two of the best in the country if they keep developing."
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football's Landen Thomas, Amaree Williams earning bigger roles
