Florida State Football: 3 upperclassmen who need to step up in 2022

Oct 9, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell leads his players out onto the field before the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell leads his players out onto the field before the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Ontaria Wilson (80) fights off a tackle from Florida State Seminoles defensive back Omarion Cooper (13). The Florida State Seminoles hosted their annual Garnet and Gold spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, April 9, 2022.Fsu Spring Game382
Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Ontaria Wilson (80) fights off a tackle from Florida State Seminoles defensive back Omarion Cooper (13). The Florida State Seminoles hosted their annual Garnet and Gold spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, April 9, 2022.Fsu Spring Game382 /

3. Ontaria Wilson, WR

Florida State’s receiver room was as mediocre a group as there was in the country in 2021. There was no actual number one alpha in the room. There were no dynamic playmakers, and the corps was inconsistent on a down-to-down basis.

Mike Norvell and his staff brought in Johnny Taylor (Arizona State) and Mycah Pittman (Oregon) via the transfer portal. If quarterback Jordan Travis is to take the next step, the Florida State receivers must be more consistent and give the offense big plays from time to time.

What Travis needs more than anything is a receiver he can go to when the Seminoles need a first down or when the pocket breaks down. Those situations are when you trust the veteran. That veteran is Ontaria “Pokey” Wilson. One of the fastest players on the team, Wilson led the team in touchdown receptions last season.

Wilson is a redshirt senior and, along with Keyshawn Helton, has the most tenure in the program. “Pokey” ended his 2021 season well with 162 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the last three weeks of the season. What Travis needs from Wilson is to develop into a consistent deep threat. Taylor and Pittman can be the possession/tough yards receivers.