Heading into the 2023 college football season, all eyes were on Florida State wide receiver Johnny Wilson. As a redshirt junior, Wilson was expected to have a breakout season and become one of the top prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. However, two weeks into the season, it's clear that Wilson is not the Seminoles' star wideout.
That honor belongs to Keon Coleman, a transfer from Michigan State. Coleman has had an incredible start to the season, capturing the attention of fans and scouts alike. With his impressive performances, he has firmly established himself as the best wide receiver in Tallahassee.
Following an outstanding showing against LSU in week one, the Keon Coleman hype train took off. He quickly climbed up draft boards, now considered a top 32 player on the consensus big board. So, what's all the excitement about? Let's take a closer look at Keon Coleman's journey and determine if he truly lives up to the hype.
Prior to joining Florida State, Keon Coleman spent two seasons at Michigan State. Although his freshman year didn't see much action, he made a significant impact in his sophomore season. Despite playing alongside the highly regarded Jayden Reed, Coleman emerged as the team's leading receiver, surpassing Reed's contributions in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
This feat is particularly impressive considering Reed's extensive experience and status as a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Keon Coleman's ability to outshine a seasoned NFL prospect at such a young age speaks volumes about his talent and potential.
At Michigan State, Coleman's role was exactly what you would expect from a 6-foot-4, 215 lbs wideout with a 4.5-second forty time. He primarily lined up on the outside and excelled at winning contested catches. With his background in basketball, he showcased his ability to come down with 50/50 balls, a valuable skill when facing tough NFL cornerbacks.
His performance in week one against LSU was nothing short of exceptional. During that game, he hauled in nine receptions out of eleven targets, amassing an impressive 122 yards and scoring three touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Seminoles' dominant 45-14 victory on a national televised stage.
