The 2016 season will begin with a ton of optimism for Florida State. The Seminoles open the campaign in Orlando against Ole Miss on Labor Day in what could be the biggest Week 1 game throughout the entire country.
The Seminoles have talent on both sides of the ball, but the unit to be most optimistic about might be in the secondary. FSU has a nice mix of talented youth and seasoned veterans and that’s a good thing, because the Noles will face a slew of talented receivers. Here’s the top 5:
1. Mike Williams, Clemson
2015 Stats: 2 catches, 20 yards receiving, 1 touchdown
Clemson reached the national title game a season ago without the services of its best receiver. Mike Williams suffered a season-ending neck injury catching a touchdown pass in last season’s opener against Wofford. As a sophomore in 2014, Williams eclipsed the 1,000-yard total as a receiver while averaging better than 18 yards per reception. At 6-4, Williams is a big receiver who can stretch the field and out-leap defenders. He’ll be an extremely tough cover for the Seminoles when Clemson visits Doak Campbell Stadium on Oct. 29.
2. Rodney Adams, South Florida
2015 Stats: 45 catches, 822 yards receiving, 9 touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown
After catching just eight passes for 45 yards through the first four games last season, South Florida wide receiver Rodney Adams arrived on the scene and never left. In a run-heavy offense, Adams finished with more than 900 yards of offense and 10 total touchdowns a season ago. Adams averaged more than 18 yards per catch last year, but was held without a catch against the Seminoles last season. FSU will visit the Bulls on Sept. 24.
3. Artavis Scott, Clemson
2015 Stats: 93 catches, 901 yards, 6 touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown
With 2014 leading receiver Mike Williams playing just a game for the Tigers in 2015, Artavis Scott served more than admirably in filling that void. Scott led the ACC with 93 receptions and eclipsed 900 yards receiving for a second straight year. Despite being only 5-10 and 190 pounds, Scott has been the consummate possession receiver. Scott was held to just 40 yards receiving on nine catches against the Seminoles last season.
4. Mack Hollins, North Carolina
2015 Stats: 30 catches, 745 yards receiving, 8 touchdowns
Like Williams and Adams, North Carolina senior receiver Mack Hollins is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Last season, Hollins averaged an FBS-best 24.8 yards per catch and scored on more than 25 percent of his catches. The Tar Heels were a perfect 5-0 when Hollins caught a touchdown last season. North Carolina will visit FSU on Oct. 1.
5. Antonio Callaway, Florida
2015 Stats: 35 catches, 678 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 punt return touchdowns
Florida sophomore receiver Antonio Callaway’s status with the team is up in the air, but there’s no denying that the Gators are much better with him. Callaway averaged better than 19 yards per catch a season ago and twice, returned punts for touchdowns. Callaway is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, but was held to just 16 yards receiving on two catches against FSU last season. The teams will meet this season in Tallahassee on Nov. 26.
Mitch White/FSU athletics
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