FSU football: Top 5 concerns going into 2020 season

Offensive Line

Listen, I don’t have to beat a dead horse here, as the offensive line has been awful since 2016.

I don’t care how improved James Blackman is if the offensive line doesn’t provide enough time to get rid of the ball, it won’t matter.

The same goes for the running game if the offensive line can’t open up holes. The running game is going to be in trouble.

The good news is the offensive line did improve last year compared to the previous year, which gives me hope we’ll see continued improvement.

They have some solid pieces in Dontae Lucas, Darius Washington, and Devontay Love-Taylor. Can Baveon Johnson, Andrew Boselli, or Maurice Smith emerge at the center position? Brady Scott has been serviceable during his time in Tallahassee, but which players are going to step up beyond those?

Will Chaz Neal, Ira Henry, or a couple of the freshmen in Thomas Shrader and Robert Scott fit the bill? Notice, anytime we’re talking about true freshman playing significant snaps, it’s usually not the best situation.

Here’s to hoping the synergy of Norvell and Dillingham will work hand-in-hand with FSU offensive line coach Alex Atkins to scheme around most of their deficiencies.

Atkins being a former offensive coordinator should help with that, but the Noles will need good injury luck with this position group to be effective too.