As the 2016 season nears for Florida State, one of the big strengths for the Seminoles looks to be the defensive line. DeMarcus Waker had a monster season at defensive end a season ago and big things are expected out of fellow end Josh Sweat and defensive tackles Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas.
Throughout the course of the season however, FSU will face its fair share of solid offensive linemen as well. Here are the top 5 the Seminoles will see this upcoming season:
1. Jon Heck, North Carolina (T)
At 6-6 and 300 pounds, North Carolina senior Jon Heck is a very good athlete for a man his size. Heck excels as a pass-blocker, but can get to the next level against linebackers as well. Heck was a big reason the Tar Heels had one of the nation’s most explosive offenses a season ago. They’ll face FSU in Tallahassee on Oct. 1.
2. Caleb Peterson, North Carolina (G)
It’s hard to call a guy who stands 6-5 and weighs 300 pounds undersized, but that is the case with North Carolina senior Caleb Peterson. Peterson might be smaller than many of the defensive linemen that stand in front of him, but is a solid run-blocker and does a pretty good job when pulling. The Tar Heels averaged nearly 41 points per game last season.
3. Jay Guillermo, Clemson (C)
Clemson senior center Jay Guillermo came on strong for the Tigers a season ago and was a big reason for their success in 2015. At 6-2 and 325 pounds, Guillermo not only serves a key pass-protector for Deshaun Watson, but he opens holes for All-ACC running back Wayne Gallman. Clemson will visit Florida State on Oct. 29.
4. Lucas Crowley, North Carolina (C)
The anchor of perhaps the best offensive line in the ACC, Lucas Crowley helped lead one of the nation’s most prolific offenses in 2015. Like Peterson, Crowley will have his hands full when the teams meet in Tallahassee to open October. FSU has a very good defensive interior that features Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas.
5. Tyrone Crowder, Clemson (G)
Another piece to what’s expected to be a good offensive line interior, Clemson redshirt junior Tyrone Crowder returns after a solid 2015 campaign. Crowder was largely overshadowed by guys along the front like Guillermo, Eric Mac Lain and Joe Gore last season, but more than held his own. As one of the veterans up front, he’s expected to have an All-ACC caliber season in 2016.
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