FSU released its tentative depth chart for the season opener against Alabama. Most of it was what we expected, but there are some interesting items of interest. Here's a quick rundown of each position.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
After Deondre Francois, the Seminoles listed 3 possibilities for second string -- James Blackman OR J.J. Cosentino OR Bailey Hockman. This obviously says a lot. Cosentino is a fourth-year junior but not the clear-cut No. 2 over two true freshmen. Jimbo Fisher has raved about Blackman all preseason; it would not be a surprise if he was first off the bench.
Running back
After starter Jacques Patrick, FSU again listed 3 possibilities for second string -- Cam Akers OR Ryan Green OR Amir Rasul. ... It's pretty clear that all three of those backups will get touches, as could Khalan Laborn and Zaquandre White. Jimbo Fisher said on Monday that they've all proven they can and deserve to play.
Wide receiver
As expected, the three starters listed were Keith Gavin, Auden Tate and Nyqwan Murray. The three top backups listed were freshman Tamorrion Terry (behind Gavin), junior walk-on Justin Motlow (behind Murray) and sophomore George Campbell (behind Tate). The only mild surprise is the walk-on Motlow being listed over freshman D.J. Matthews, but Matthews has missed some camp time with a minor hamstring injury. I wouldn't get too caught up in these distinctions -- who is behind who, etc. The top four or five receivers will play the vast majority of the snaps and they usually can move from spot to spot.
Tight end
After starter Ryan Izzo and top backup Mavin Saunders, the No. 3 tight end was freshman Tre McKitty, who has had a very impressive preseason. He seemed to pass sophomore Naseir Upshur early on, although Upshur could be more of a factor as a blocker.
Left tackle
It's Derrick Kelly followed by Josh Ball as expected.
Left guard
It's Landon Dickerson followed by Ethan Frith. A few players have rotated at No. 2 left guard, but Frith has been there a lot lately.
Center
It's Alec Eberle followed by Corey Martinez as expected.
Right guard
It's Cole Minshew followed by Brock Ruble. Like with left guard, several players have rotated in the No. 2 right guard spot. Wouldn't be a surprise if these backup guard spots see competition throughout the year.
Right tackle
Rick Leonard followed by Josh Ball. Kind of interesting that Ball is the top backup at both tackle spots. Shows how much Rick Trickett likes the redshirt freshman.
DEFENSE
Defensive end
Brian Burns and Josh Sweat are the starters, followed by Jalen Wilkerson and Janarius Robinson. It's mildly surprising that freshman Joshua Kaindoh isn't on the two-deep, but he was a little banged up last week and Wilkerson and Robinson have had good camps.
Defensive tackle
Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas are the starters, followed by Wally Aime and Fred Jones. That is the same top four as a year ago, but they won't be the only ones to play. Expect to see a six- or even seven-DT rotation.
Strongside linebacker
Jacob Pugh followed by Josh Brown, just like last season
Middle linebacker
Ro'Derrick Hoskins followed by junior college transfer Adonis Thomas. Thomas would have been No. 3 behind Dontavious Jackson, but Jackson is still sidelined by a preseason injury.
Weakside linebacker
FSU listed Matthew Thomas OR Emmett Rice as the starter, followed by Leonard Warner. If Thomas is cleared to play, as Jimbo Fisher expects, he will be the starter. Fisher is not overly concerned about the practice time he has missed in camp.
Boundary cornerback
Tarvarus McFadden followed by freshman Stanford Samuels. Although he was in the running for the starting field cornerback spot, Samuels should be a very solid backup for McFadden.
Field cornerback
Levonta Taylor followed by Carlos Becker. Fisher had been reluctant to name Taylor the starter during camp, but this has seemed to be in the cards all preseason. Taylor most frequently was with the starters.
Star (nickelback)
Kyle Meyers followed by A.J. Westbrook. FSU does a lot of cross-training at these DB spots. Like with WR, I wouldn't get caught up in all the distinctions between backups at various positions. The top six guys are going to play most of the snaps and move around based on matchups.
Free safety
Derwin James followed by Ermon Lane. No surprises here.
Strong safety
Trey Marshall followed by A.J. Westbrook. Also no surprise.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further explanation. Hacked this out pretty quickly, so things might not be clear.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
After Deondre Francois, the Seminoles listed 3 possibilities for second string -- James Blackman OR J.J. Cosentino OR Bailey Hockman. This obviously says a lot. Cosentino is a fourth-year junior but not the clear-cut No. 2 over two true freshmen. Jimbo Fisher has raved about Blackman all preseason; it would not be a surprise if he was first off the bench.
Running back
After starter Jacques Patrick, FSU again listed 3 possibilities for second string -- Cam Akers OR Ryan Green OR Amir Rasul. ... It's pretty clear that all three of those backups will get touches, as could Khalan Laborn and Zaquandre White. Jimbo Fisher said on Monday that they've all proven they can and deserve to play.
Wide receiver
As expected, the three starters listed were Keith Gavin, Auden Tate and Nyqwan Murray. The three top backups listed were freshman Tamorrion Terry (behind Gavin), junior walk-on Justin Motlow (behind Murray) and sophomore George Campbell (behind Tate). The only mild surprise is the walk-on Motlow being listed over freshman D.J. Matthews, but Matthews has missed some camp time with a minor hamstring injury. I wouldn't get too caught up in these distinctions -- who is behind who, etc. The top four or five receivers will play the vast majority of the snaps and they usually can move from spot to spot.
Tight end
After starter Ryan Izzo and top backup Mavin Saunders, the No. 3 tight end was freshman Tre McKitty, who has had a very impressive preseason. He seemed to pass sophomore Naseir Upshur early on, although Upshur could be more of a factor as a blocker.
Left tackle
It's Derrick Kelly followed by Josh Ball as expected.
Left guard
It's Landon Dickerson followed by Ethan Frith. A few players have rotated at No. 2 left guard, but Frith has been there a lot lately.
Center
It's Alec Eberle followed by Corey Martinez as expected.
Right guard
It's Cole Minshew followed by Brock Ruble. Like with left guard, several players have rotated in the No. 2 right guard spot. Wouldn't be a surprise if these backup guard spots see competition throughout the year.
Right tackle
Rick Leonard followed by Josh Ball. Kind of interesting that Ball is the top backup at both tackle spots. Shows how much Rick Trickett likes the redshirt freshman.
DEFENSE
Defensive end
Brian Burns and Josh Sweat are the starters, followed by Jalen Wilkerson and Janarius Robinson. It's mildly surprising that freshman Joshua Kaindoh isn't on the two-deep, but he was a little banged up last week and Wilkerson and Robinson have had good camps.
Defensive tackle
Derrick Nnadi and Demarcus Christmas are the starters, followed by Wally Aime and Fred Jones. That is the same top four as a year ago, but they won't be the only ones to play. Expect to see a six- or even seven-DT rotation.
Strongside linebacker
Jacob Pugh followed by Josh Brown, just like last season
Middle linebacker
Ro'Derrick Hoskins followed by junior college transfer Adonis Thomas. Thomas would have been No. 3 behind Dontavious Jackson, but Jackson is still sidelined by a preseason injury.
Weakside linebacker
FSU listed Matthew Thomas OR Emmett Rice as the starter, followed by Leonard Warner. If Thomas is cleared to play, as Jimbo Fisher expects, he will be the starter. Fisher is not overly concerned about the practice time he has missed in camp.
Boundary cornerback
Tarvarus McFadden followed by freshman Stanford Samuels. Although he was in the running for the starting field cornerback spot, Samuels should be a very solid backup for McFadden.
Field cornerback
Levonta Taylor followed by Carlos Becker. Fisher had been reluctant to name Taylor the starter during camp, but this has seemed to be in the cards all preseason. Taylor most frequently was with the starters.
Star (nickelback)
Kyle Meyers followed by A.J. Westbrook. FSU does a lot of cross-training at these DB spots. Like with WR, I wouldn't get caught up in all the distinctions between backups at various positions. The top six guys are going to play most of the snaps and move around based on matchups.
Free safety
Derwin James followed by Ermon Lane. No surprises here.
Strong safety
Trey Marshall followed by A.J. Westbrook. Also no surprise.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further explanation. Hacked this out pretty quickly, so things might not be clear.
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