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."
Shyheim Brown's return to the field
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."
