FSU football: Takeaways from projected depth chart versus Syracuse

FSU football has released its projected depth chart for its noon contest against the Syracuse Orange.

Here are my takeaways from the projected depth chart:

•Destyn Hill has an -or- designation with veteran Ja’Khi Douglas. Winston Wright Jr. is no longer in the rotation after being removed on the Seminoles’ official roster.

•Jaheim Bell is still listed as the starting tight end after playing sparingly against Virginia Tech due to injury.

•The offensive line starting rotation of Robert Scott Jr. at left tackle, Casey Roddick at left guard, Maurice Smith at center, D’Mitri Emmanuel at right guard, and Jeremiah Byers at right tackle is still the same as it was versus Virginia Tech.

•Greedy Vance no longer has an -or- designation with Jarrian Jones at the nickel cornerback spot. Jones is now listed as the lone starter there.

•Kevin Knowles no longer has an -or- designation with veteran Akeem Dent at the free safety position. Dent has been battling injuries, but he now seems to be healthier.

•Wide receiver Deuce Spann and running back Rodney Hill share an -or- designation as the starting kickoff returner after previous starter Winston Wright Jr. was removed from the roster.

Biggest Takeaway

In my opinion, the biggest takeaway from this week’s projected depth chart versus the Syracuse Orange was how the coaching staff was going to handle missing the likes of veteran wide receiver Winston Wright Jr.

I believe that the experienced Ja’Khi Douglas will do a phenomenal job taking over the slot position, alongside true freshman Destyn Hill. The Louisiana native played in his first game versus Virginia Tech after he suffered an injury.

While he did not record a statistic against the Hokies (thanks ACC officials for not calling the defensive penalty), his presence will likely be felt for the rest of the season given his familiarity with quarterback Jordan Travis.

It is also interesting that the coaching staff decided to place speedy wide receiver Deuce Spann as a starting kickoff returner. The former Illinois transfer only has one kickoff return for 17 yards this season. However, with his lightning speed, it could be just what the Seminoles need on special teams to finish out the 2023 season.