FSU Football Spring Offensive Line Preview: Seminoles Return Plenty Of Experience Upfront
After a season of highs and lows, one unit was at the forefront of it all, creating opportunities to succeed and prevent catastrophe week after week. The Florida State offensive line has taken drastic strides over the past few seasons, and with a core group of returning starters, it appears that the unit will only continue to climb upwards.
Under fifth-year offensive line coach Alex Atkins, the group not only returns the majority of the starting rotation from last season but a group of young and versatile athletes waiting for their chance to make an impact.
Departures:
Casey Roddick (NFL), D’Mitri Emmanuel (NFL), Bless Harris (TCU), Qae’Shon Sapp (ECU), Thomas Schrader (App State), Daughtry Richardson (FAU), and Kanaya Charlton (N/A)
The loss of Roddick, Emmanuel, and Harris will test the offensive line as a unit, given that they all started or played a major role in each game of the season when healthy. Sapp, Schraer, Richardson, and Charlton were all being buried in the depth chart, and with additions in the transfer portal, it was clear that it would be difficult for them to see the field.
Returners:
Redshirt senior Robert Scott, redshirt senior Maurice Smith, redshirt senior Darius Washington, redshirt senior Jeremiah Byers, redshirt senior Keiondre Jones, redshirt junior Bryson Estes, redshirt sophomore Jaylen Early, redshirt sophomore Julian Armella, redshirt freshman Lucas Simmons, redshirt freshman Andre’ Otto
Smith, Washington, Byers, and Jones were all major pieces of the offensive line rotation in 2023, and when healthy, Scott was also in the mix. Although the five players were at the core of the eight-man primary offensive line rotation, the group returns just 38 combined starts over 14 games in 2023, which is 54% of total starts.
New Additions:
Redshirt junior TJ Ferguson (Alabama), senior Richie Leonard IV (Florida), four-star Jonathan Daniels, four-star Manasse Itete, three-star Tye Hilton, and three-star Jayden Todd
The additions of Ferguson and Leanord will add experience and depth to a rotation of offensive linemen with Ferguson appearing in 12 games and starting once for the Crimson Tide, and Leanord appearing in 31 games with 14 starts at Florida where he started every game of the 2023 season at left tackle.
For the four freshmen, there isn’t a whole lot of room to be filled immediately on the starting lineup. Both Daniels and Itete are top 25 recruits at their position, and although Hilton and Todd may not have been as highly sought after on the recruiting trail, Hilton’s athleticism and Todd’s large frame will be weapons for the offensive line down the road.
Projected Depth Chart:
Left Tackle:
- Darius Washington, RS Sr.
- Robert Scott, RS Sr.
- Jaylen Early, RS So./Lucas Simmons, RS Fr.
Left Guard:
- Keiondre Jones, RS Sr.
- Bryson Estes, RS Jr.
Center:
- Maurice Smith, RS Sr.
- Andre' Otto, RS Fr./Washington/Leonard IV
Right Guard:
- Richie Leonard IV, RS Sr.
- Terrence Ferguson, RS Jr.
Right Tackle:
- Jeremiah Byers, RS Sr.
- Julian Armella, RS So./Scott
Spring Outlook:
Although the offensive line remains mostly intact from the 2023 season in terms of returning players, the unit will need to fill the holes of Roddick, Emmanuel, and Harris, all of whom were able to play more than one position on the line when needed. If Scott can stay healthy in 2024, the offensive line will be a better unit collectively given he brings 30 career starts to the field. Even if he is not available, the Seminoles are able to turn to Washington and Byers on the outside, with transfers Leanord and Ferguson at Right Guard, and Kieondre Jones continuing his role at left guard. It would be no surprise to see Maurice Smith return to his role as FSU’s primary center for his senior season.
It is worth mentioning that Estes, Armella, Early, Otto, and Simmons could sneak their way into playing a critical role this season, with nothing guaranteed for anyone. In 2023, Estes saw the field in all 14 games, primarily on special teams. Armella appeared in just six games last season but can fight for time under Byers at right tackle or maybe even guard. Early also saw time in six games while showing real promise in practice. Otto and Simmons both redshirted in 2023 and despite very little time on the field, Otto brings a combination of size and athleticism to the mix, with a solid chance of working under Smith at center. Simmons will need to work to see the field, but will most likely be a reserve option under Washington and Scott.
While the latter group will most likely see themselves as reserves in 2024, they have the opportunity to work under a group that brings years of experience to the mix. For Armella and Estes, this season might be the year they sneak into the rotation, and while there is also hope for Otto and Simmons, there is less pressure given they have less experience. For them the goal is to get on the field and make contributions wherever needed.
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