The Daily Nole

FSU Football: 2018 Depth Chart Observations and Notes

Colin Abbey/FSU athletics

The first official Florida State depth chart of the 2018 season was released on Wednesday afternoon. In preparation for Willie Taggart’s press conference, the team unveiled the projected starters and gave the media a familiar packet for reference. Here’s what was handed out.

Much of this was not surprising. Deondre Francois was named starting quarterback on Monday, most of the first team defense had been revealed in practice, and the running back rotation is fairly self-evident. That being said, there are still some surprising developments and interesting placements on the depth chart. We make some notes down below.

Observations and Notes

  • Keith Gavin is the only wide receiver listed without an “OR” by his name. That’s an interesting sign that perhaps the coaches trust Gavin enough to give him reliable reps.
  • Along those same lines, don’t put too much attention to the wide receiver spots that list Ontaria Wilson or Keyshawn Helton on equal footing with Tamorrion Terry or Tre’Shaun Harrison. A lot of receivers are going to see playing time this year, but it’s still likely that the latter two will especially command more reps.
  • The guard spot being listed as “Mike Arnold OR Cole Minshew” is surprising. Minshew has been running with the first string by all accounts. Perhaps Minshew’s injury concerns have them being more cautious about the opener?
  • Tight end seems like a position where the first through the fourth string might get an equivalent amount of burn. Each of those players listed brings a different skill set for various play calls. It’s doubtful that someone like Naseir Upshur rides the bench the whole year.
  • We’ve been relatively high on Wally Aime after hearing reports about his performance in fall camp. He’s now listed as a starter at defensive end. While there will be plenty of rotation, Aime will be getting much more action this season than years prior.
  • It looks like all the players who were once listed as “questionable” will be available for Virginia Tech. Taggart confirmed in the press conference that both defensive linemen Josh Kaindoh and Marvin Wilson will play in the opener. That’s in addition to safety Stanford Samuels III being ready to go.
  • D.J. Matthews will be the starting punt returner. That is a huge sigh of relief for Seminole fans who clamored for him after watching Tarvarus McFadden field kicks last year.

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