What was an unknown and a unit that lacked cohesion in 2015 is expected to be a strength for Florida State this season. That of course, is the offensive line.
FSU returns all five starters from an offensive front that was inconsistent at times, but for the most part, very young a season ago. There are some position battles to be settled still for the Seminoles up front, but the internal competition should make the unit as a whole better.
Up front, Florida State only has two seniors who will vie for time and the future looks very bright. FSU brings in six newcomers at the position.
1. The Name to Know: Roderick Johnson
Now a junior, Roderick Johnson has started 18 straight games for the Seminoles. Johnson is an imposing figure at 6-7 and 310 pounds, but is very athletic.
Johnson has been named to the preseason Outland Trophy watch list and will serve as a dependable blindside protector for whoever starts at quarterback for Florida State. Johnson was not only a first-team All-ACC performer last year, but he won the ACC Jacobs Blocking Award as the conference’s best blocker as a sophomore.
2. Burning Question: Can the FSU Offensive Line Become a Cohesive Unit?
The biggest problem with Florida State’s big front five last season was finding the right combination. Aside from Johnson, only right guard Wilson Bell started every game for the Seminoles in 2015.
Bell is expected to hold down that spot as a junior in 2016 while Kareem Are is the preseason favorite to man the left guard position. Alec Eberle was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list this month as the nation’s best center. Eberle started the final six games in the middle for FSU last season after playing behind Corey Martinez and Ryan Hoefeld, who both return, earlier in the year. The most wide open position looks to be right tackle where converted defensive tackle Rick Leonard and redshirt sophomore Derrick Kelly will look to unseat incumbent Brock Ruble.
The Seminoles could be without Chad Mavety, who started eight games at guard and tackle, last season. Mavety missed the spring with a heart issue and has yet to be cleared. Redshirt freshmen Cole Minshew and Abdul Bello are two guys who could make a push for reps.
3. Put Your Future Stock In: Landon Dickerson
Among the six offensive linemen that Florida State brings in this year, North Carolina native Landon Dickerson looks to be the best of them. Dickerson was the 31st ranked national recruit and hasn’t quite filled out yet at 6-5 and 300 pounds. Dickerson may be able to fill in for the Seminoles at tackle as early as 2017. Other incoming freshman up front for FSU include Baveon Johnson, Jauan Williams, Josh Ball and Andrew Boselli. The Seminoles also added junior college transfer Mike Arnold.
4. Other Names to Know: Ethan Frith, David Robbins
The offensive line is football’s most overlooked position, but two second-year players who could make a case for time in 2016 are sophomore Ethan Frith and redshirt freshman David Robbins. Frith is most likely to fill at tackle while Robbins’ 325-pound frame makes him more ideal to play inside at guard.
5. Food for Thought
It’s been said that Florida State returns all five starters up front, but in reality, it returns more than that. Looking back at last season, the Seminoles used five different starting combinations up front. Nine different FSU offensive linemen made at least one start and they all return, although Mavety’s health is seriously in question.
Phil Kelly/FSU athletics
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