There are days where Amaree Williams will wear a white (offense) jersey and others where he wears a garnet (defense) jersey. But there are days where he will juggle both, from the meeting rooms to the practice field.
And there are days where he will have a sack and a touchdown within minutes on Florida State’s practice field.
“Earlier today (Wednesday) I had a sack, came back on offense, and he’s talking to me, laughing with me,” Williams said of an interaction with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. “The next play I went and scored a touchdown. He has the faith in me and he trusts in my capabilities and my God-given talent. He has a plan for me.”
Williams’ plan is to juggle multiple roles, to play tight end and also take on a versatile “jack” position on defense. A hybrid end / linebacker role, jack is suited to Williams’ athletic skill set as a pass rusher but also physical enough to defend the run. Williams says he expects to play a third- and fourth-down role on defense.
But it’s also an unusual double: This isn’t a cornerback trying to play receiver (or vice versa). And it’s not a linebacker or defensive lineman who helps at fullback (as DJ Lundy had done in recent years).
It is a challenge Williams doesn’t just embrace but instead insists he will take on and excel at a high level in both roles. Williams said he’s also put his full faith in coach Mike Norvell, defensive coordinator Tony White and Malzahn.
“I straight up told coach Norvell, we had a meeting, I told him, ‘Coach, I want to push my body to the limit. If I’m sore, I’ll tell you. I’m not going to mess up my future. But at the same time I know what I’m willing to do and what I’m able to do. I’m going to push it.
“It is hard. But I’m physically and mentally capable of doing this.”
FSU has assembled depth at tight end, giving the coaches enough options so that they can use Randy Pittman, Markeston Douglas, Landen Thomas and Chase Loftin without going to Williams. And while the options aside from Williams at jack are less clear given that it’s a new position in White’s scheme, a few other defensive players have commented that they’ve cross trained there in the spring.
It's also clear that Williams is quite the athlete. He showed fans and media that in 2024 when, after reclassifying so that he could enroll early, Williams began practicing at tight end instead of settling for a redshirt as he added weight and strength to prepare for defensive end in 2025. Williams had five catches for 71 yards, two of which went for touchdowns.
The athleticism is undeniable, arguably up there with any of the current Seminoles. And that includes a pair of two-sport standouts in Micahi Danzy and B.J. Gibson. Williams has impressed the coaching staff in camp.
“He’s played very physical,” Malzahn said. “He’s a really savvy football player — that’s very important with that position and what we like to do with it. He’s an extremely talented young man. We were glad to have him on the offensive side of the football. … When he’s on offense, he’s done a really good job.”
Williams does seem to appreciate that this is indeed a challenge. And it’s especially one with new coordinators in Malzahn and White. Malzahn’s offense at UCF benefitted a tight end like Pittman. And the jack is a valued position in White’s defense.
He could very well be a difference maker on offense. Or defense. Or both. It’s easy to look at what Williams is trying to do and come to the conclusion that he’s a rare athlete. While he is, and his dad, Moe Williams, played in the NFL for a decade from 1996-2005, Williams also has the intelligence and drive to put himself in position to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
“I feel like if I’m able to do this I can do anything,” Williams said. “Two new coordinators, I’m learning a whole new offense, whole new defense. I feel comfortable. I’ve put in the time and I’ve put in the work. It’s paid off. I’m playing fast. I’m playing physical.”
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