FSU football: Biggest surprises from FSU depth chart for Alabama game

Mike Norvell and the FSU coaching staff have been consistent in their message regarding what players put on film. The message was that whoever put in the work and did what was asked would be on the field, and the initial depth chart for the Alabama game is what it is.

Many of the positions were set in stone, but there were a few names listed that made you raise your eyebrows a bit:

The first name I noticed that wasn’t listed was running back Kam Davis. He’s either dealing with an injury or already surpassed by freshman Ousmane Kromah.

Tight-end Chase Loftin, playing behind freshman Jayvan Boggs in the third wide receiver spot, caught my attention, but Loftin is a guy they believe can win 50-50 battles with his size and hands.

The offensive line depth chart doesn’t surprise me except for freshman Chavez Thompson at center. That’s scary, considering he wasn’t an early enrollee and is a freshman. I find it hard to believe he’d go in the game on Saturday if Luke Petibon went down. If I had to bet, I would bet it would be Andre Otto in that scenario.

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It was good to see Jonthan Daniels and Lucas Simmons on the two-deep. Jaden Jones is on the two-deep! KJ Sampson has been missing in action all fall, so not seeing his name at defensive tackle isn’t surprising. Jayson Jenkins, listed as the starter, is big, and one of the Desir twins on the two-deep shows the coaches were true to their word.

AJ Cottrill, as a backup at linebacker, isn’t surprising, although he’s a former walk-on. He has more experience than the young linebackers. Donny Hiebert on the two-deep! He had 10 tackles last year, playing in all 12 games, mostly on special teams.

Ashlynd Barker over Shyheim Brown confirms what we’ve been hearing all fall about Brown. Edwin Joseph or KJ Kirkland at the other safety spot is a good problem to have. Good to see Charles Lester on the two-deep, and freshman Shamar Arnoux backing up Jerry Wilson.

I like the starting 22, but it’s how much drop off will happen when the backups get into the game? That’s the one million dollar question!