FSU Football: Offensive line breakdown from 2019 class

Dontae Lucas

A four-star guard out of IMG Academy, Lucas was one of the biggest gets for the FSU coaching staff. Although there had been concern towards the end of the season about whether his commitment would stick. Lucas did take a few other visits, but ultimately stuck with the ‘Noles and enrolled early.

The offensive line is the biggest position of need for Florida State, and Lucas could be an immediate part of the solution. Out of all the freshman lineman FSU has signed under Taggart, Lucas is the most game ready.

At 6’3, 320 lbs., he definitely has the size to play guard and is a ferocious run blocker with good technique. If he adapts to the college game well, there’s a good chance that Lucas will start over upperclassmen at guard.

Maurice Smith

Smith is an interesting prospect because he isn’t the typical Florida State recruit. He was a Boston College commit before flipping to FSU during the early signing period. Smith was a big part of Miami Central’s dynamic ground game and has impressed many coaches at camps with his work ethic and competitiveness.

Still, due to the poor season, this is a player who the ‘Noles normally wouldn’t target, as a lower-three star prospect with offers from BC, App State, and FAU.

Still, Smith is a dude who will help raise the bar for the offensive line. Although a bit undersized at 6’1, 276, Smith is a ferocious run blocker who will outwork most of his peers. He might not ever start for Florida State, and if he does it will be three or four years from now.

But Smith raises the floor for a poor position group and is part of the vital culture change that the coaching staff is trying to install.