Florida State has had four-star wide receiver Darryon Williams committed since last April. That didn’t spot other programs from trying to flip him, specifically the arch-rival Florida Gators. However, Williams ultimately shut down his recruitment to remain with FSU.
When the Seminoles were going through their disastrous 2-10 season last year, their recruiting class took a major hit. Three four-star wide receivers decommitted as well as other elite prospects. Williams remembers that, and FSU’s win over Alabama confirmed why he stayed loyal.
“I’ve had a lot of people bail on me when things got tough and if I did that I would be just like them,” Williams told Rivals. “When I saw all those commits jump ship last year my dad said now is the time to call coach Norvell and coach (Tim) Harris and let them know I had their back and I knew they would turn It around. It’s only one win but it feels like it changed the program overnight.”
It wasn’t just Williams who got to see Florida State’s huge win. The Seminoles had over 100 recruits in attendance. Prospects such as 2027 wide receiver Lawrence Britt, 2026 linebacker Duyon Forkpa, and 2027 quarterback Kavian Bryant were all impressed with FSU just like Williams was last Saturday.
It’s easy for a recruit to abandon ship and head to what looks like greener pastures when a program goes through what Florida State did in 2024. Williams never had that thought process.
“This is why I stayed committed through the good and the bad,” Williams said. “Almost every 2026 commit jumped ship last year when it was rough. I never wavered. Everyone is always looking for an easy way out instead of sticking together as a family.”
Williams should be commended for sticking with FSU given how the landscape of college football has changed with the transfer portal and NIL deals. This is the type of player that head coach Mike Norvell and this staff are looking for when they recruit.
Rivals’ industry rankings have Williams as the No. 364 prospect and the No. 12 athlete. He’s also the No. 51 player in the state of Florida.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU wide receiver commit thinks program has turned the corner after Alabama win
Reporting by Matthew Lenix , FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
