EA Sports College Football 25 isn't releasing fast enough yet.
But while we wait, everyone is pre-ordering ahead of the official release date of July 19th.
On Friday, EA Sports released a nearly two-minute video game trailer. Without blinking, Florida State running back Roydell Williams was shown in slow motion seemingly attempting a spin move. That one-second video of the Alabama transfer could be a sign of a potential breakout star who could put up video game numbers with the Seminoles.
Florida State University running back Roydell Williams' “Road to Glory''
Florida State has produced talented running backs in the past such as Warrick Dunn, DeVonta Freeman, Dalvin Cook, and most recently Trey Benson. Williams appeared to be up to the task when he ran for a 30-yard touchdown and showed an impressive leap in FSU's spring showcase.
Before transferring to FSU, Williams played his first four years at the University of Alabama. He weighed 215 pounds and ran for 1,165 yards and 11 touchdowns in 45 games.
About half of those yards came last season, when he ran for 560 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5 yards per carry, playing behind Atlanta Falcons running back Jace McClellan. Ta. His career best came on September 16th with 129 yards and a touchdown against South Florida.
What Roydell Williams brings to FSU football's deep running back room
The Seminoles have plenty of options in the backfield that head coach Mike Norvell can rely on. Any of FSU's running backs have the potential to be RB1.
Lawrence Toafili is a versatile back who can be effective in the passing game. Junior Jaylin Lucas is similarly versatile and could serve as a return man. True freshman Cam Davis brings thunder with his physicality and Mikahi Danzi brings lightning with his breaking speed.
So what separates Williams from the rest?
Williams is a smooth runner, but his biggest strengths are vision and patience. Both traits suit him well and can complement an offensive line that creates running lanes for heavily recruited players from Alabama.
Williams is also effective in the passing game, especially on checkdown plays over the middle. Williams had 21 catches, 152 receiving yards and two touchdowns during his career at Alabama.
Could Roydell Williams become FSU football's 1,000-yard rusher?
It's still a little too early to call him the Heisman favorite for the 2024 season. The quarterback position usually gets the most attention in this category, but the numbers put him in a close second with the running back.
Let's lower the standards a little. Williams must continue to establish himself as the primary back and be a safety blanket in quarterback DJ Uiagalelei's backfield.
Williams also needs a 1,000-yard season, something the Seminoles haven't had since Cam Akers in 2019. A 1,000-yard season, doubling his receptions, and FSU being in playoff contention could combine to put Williams in the conversation.
Williams could set the bar high on a global scale if the senior performs in FSU's big season opener against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland.
It may be difficult to finish the season as the top rusher, at least in the ACC, but given Williams' talent, it's possible.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State University sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. He can be reached via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or at X @_Da_pistol.
