Florida State offensive line's depth, new additions to be tested against Duquesne and beyond

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell acknowledged that his newly released depth chart might not be set in stone.

The competition on the offensive line is expected to be an ongoing process that could extend beyond FSU’s season opener against Duquesne, which will be at 5 p.m. Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Especially after projected starting center Maurice Smith suffered an undisclosed injury during preseason camp. Backup center Kayden Lyles also went down with a season-ending injury earlier this month.

“Maurice kind of got banged up there throughout camp,” Norvell said. “He’s going to be out this week. We are looking forward to getting him back very, very soon.”

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The Seminoles listed utility offensive lineman Darius Washington as the No. 1 center – with redshirt sophomore Thomas Shrader as his backup – in their two-deep depth chart Monday. Washington sparingly played center last season but started every game at either left tackle (five) and right tackle (seven).

In the spring, Washington lined up as the starting right guard before going down with an undisclosed injury. He recently worked his way back to 100% after returning to action during preseason camp. He received a lot of work at center over the last two weeks.

“I think it’s a very natural position for him,” said Norvell on Washington playing center. “He’s very smart. He understands the offense. He understands the calls. I believe that he really has a great future in front of him, being able to utilize that versatility.

“And if the time calls like it calls for this week, he can go in and be able to play the center position. Also being at guard or tackle. It’s one of his greatest qualities.”

Right guard will be another position to watch. First-year transfers D’Mitri Emmanuel (Charlotte) and Jazston Turnetine (South Carolina) received the OR designation as the No. 1 right guard, which means either one of them could start.

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The 6-foot-7, 336-pound Turnetine possibly starting at right guard is notable. He was widely thought to be an offensive tackle. Across two seasons with the Gamecocks, he appeared in 18 games with 10 starts, all at left tackle.

“There are guys who are able to play multiple spots,” FSU offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins said. “That was a big thing. We have kind of been swapping those guys out a bunch here late in camp once they kind of got acclimated to the system and things like that.”

Left tackle Robert Scott Jr., left guard Dillan Gibbons, Washington and right tackle Bless Harris are the starting offensive linemen on the depth chart. Left tackle Julian Armella, left guard Bryson Estes, Shrader and right tackle Lloyd Willis are listed with the second team.

The Seminoles clearly have more options and insurance on the offensive line after adding 10 players to the unit in the offseason. Six of those 10 are freshmen, including the No. 2 left tackle Armella. The other four are transfers in Lyles (Wisconsin), Harris (Lamar), Emmanuel and Turnetine.

“We knew that we needed to continue to build depth,” Norvell said. “As you see young players who are developing, growing in their versatility and growing in the things that they can do, it’s exciting that we have those guys who have come in and be able to bring that type of value to our program.

“But also, there is a lot of competition. Even going into the course of this week, we have an initial depth chart. We know Maurice is not going to be available this week.

"But what you see on that depth chart, you could see some moving pieces between now and Saturday.”

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Quarterback Jordan Travis breaks the rock

It only made sense that starting quarterback Jordan Travis received the honor.

Josh Storms, FSU’s director of football strength and conditioning, annually picks one player to smash a stone with a sledgehammer following preseason camp. He chose Travis, rewarding him for taking his game to another level this offseason.

“He was incredible,” Norvell said. “The work that he put in. The consistency that he showed at the position each day, even with mistakes that might have been made the day prior. You got to see the response and his growth at that position and the leadership he showed.”

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Talking Duquesne

Duquesne has high hopes for this season.

The FCS school, which is in Pittsburgh, was picked to finish second in the Northeast Conference, behind Sacred Heart. The Dukes tied the Pioneers with a conference-high seven preseason All-NEC selections.

Those seven players are running back Billy Lucas, wide receiver Joey Isabella, offensive lineman Vincent Lumia, defensive lineman Maxi Hradecny, outside linebacker Todd Hill, defensive back Jeremiah Josephs and punter Michael Berarducci.

Quarterback Joe Mischler, who suffered a season-ending injury in Duquesne’s opener against TCU last season, earned first-team All-NEC honors in 2020.

“Very disciplined football team,” Norvell said. “They are very multiple in their concepts. They’ve got a new defensive coordinator who is going to be very multiple in their approach and blitz packages. Offensively, they can do a little bit of everything.

“They’ve got really quality football players. They have seven preseason all-conference players that are returning. This is a team that can play really good football.”

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Mike Norvell ‘excited’ to play Week Zero game

FSU playing in one of just 11 FBS games this weekend comes with some advantages.

Like potentially reaching a larger audience. And starting preseason camp earlier.

“I love it. It has added to the sense of urgency,” Norvell said. “One of the things that was a benefit was, today was the first day of school. So we were able to really get an extra week of camp where you could have the night (practices), the walkthroughs. So we were able to get a little bit further advanced with that extra time, hitting different situations. …

“Then you get a chance to kick off and be one of the first college football games that is played this weekend. It’s exciting. It’s an exciting time. I love the opportunity that we get each year. It’s what makes college football so special.

“There are so limited opportunities that you get during the season. To be able to start it off and to be part of that Week Zero showcase, I’m excited about it.”

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GAME INFORMATION

FSU vs. Duquesne

When/Where: Saturday, 5 p.m., Doak Campbell Stadium

TV/Radio: ACC Network/94.9 FM

Live game updates: www.Tallahassee.com; @CarterKarels on Twitter; @Ehsan_Kassim on Twitter; @JimHenryTALLY on Twitter

Reach Carter Karels at ckarels@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @CarterKarels. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football opens season with Duquesne, offensive line will be tested