Wide Receivers Competing at High-Level Behind Florida State’s Ron Dugans In 2023

The competition has kicked up to a new level as wide receivers coach Ron Dugans begins his fifth year with the Seminoles.

The Florida State Seminoles have wrapped up 14 practices of fall camp and are now heading into their second scrimmage on Sunday. Both sides of the ball have been battling it out in an intense competition for starting positions under the sweltering Florida heat.

FSU Football Fall Camp Observations: Seminoles Complete Final Practice Ahead Of Second Scrimmage

One of the deepest position groups on the roster is the wide receiver corps which features two of the top returning players at their position and a mix of veterans and talented newcomers. Wide receivers coach Ron Dugans met with the media after practice on Saturday to discuss the progression of his group and what he's seen so far throughout camp.

"They've done a good job of, for one, trying to be leaders, trying to encourage guys, motivate each other," Dugans said. "It's been a close-knit group. These guys have been pushing each other and challenging each other and have been giving maximum effort and I'm really pleased with where we are at right now...The consistency we are starting to see."

One of those top returning players who jumped to Tallahassee from Michigan State in the offseason was Keon Coleman, bolstering a group loaded with star power. Dugans said that he has maintained a professional attitude and that the transition has gone smoothly. 

"He's come in and he's been acting like a pro. I've been pleased with him. The way he handled the transition to come to Florida State. He didn't come in and try to be somebody else. He's been himself soaking everything in, asking questions. He's a quick learner. He's been really good for that room."

Johnny Wilson elected to return for his redshirt junior year and not make the jump prematurely to the next level. Last year, Wilson caught 43 passes for 897 yards and five touchdowns. Dugans said that he's only gotten better.

"He's a better route runner now. At times he's better catching the football. He'll have his moments but he's done a really good job transitioning in and out of his breaks, helping some of the younger guys, finishing on the perimeter," Dugans said of the 6-foot-7 wideout. "He's made some big-time plays for us this camp and he's got to continue to work to be consistent."

With all the talent and size inside the wide receiver room, the competition on the depth chart is intense. Dugans said that up and down the roster there are battles going on. 

"Probably the most competition we've had since I've been here. With multiple guys at multiple positions. Obviously, we're bigger than what we were in the past, which is a good thing. You have some of your smaller guys that are battling as well. When they do battle, it's not only on the football field; it's just everything that they do and how well they learn. They gotta show me that 'coach, you can trust me to put me in the game.' That's been the focus, being dependable."

Destyn Hill made it to campus for fall camp over two years after he originally signed with the 'Noles. Throughout camp, Hill has shown that he hasn't lost a step despite the time off.

"The kid loves to work. He doesn't shy away from it. He's been up for a while starting with the summer with skills and drills. He's one of the ones that's been pushing himself, you know, straining in the summertime. He's a guy; I've been on him hard, he's responding. He's been responding really good to whatever we throw at him, try and put him into uncomfortable situations, and he responds to it." 

Dugans goes more in-depth about his wide receiver group, talks Winston Wright, Jr.'s progress, and more in his full interview below.

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