FSU football: HC Mike Norvell states that OL has a chance to be a strength

Florida State football dropped its projected depth chart on Sunday afternoon. Obviously, individuals look at that depth chart and see all of the featured newcomers.

This Seminoles' squad will be welcoming in several new faces that they added via the transfer portal and recruiting ranks. However, it is worth mentioning that Florida State still has returning pieces/veteran group of players that will be the foundation of the team.

Head football coach Mike Norvell spoke to the media on Sunday to discuss the team and his thoughts. During the session, he mentioned that he feels that the offensive line has a chance to be a strength of the squad.

The offensive line lost two starting guards last season: Casey Roddick and D'Mitri Emmanuel (who is a support staffer with the Seminoles). However, Florida State did add three transfers this offseason with interior offensive linemen Richie Leonard IV, TJ Ferguson, and Jacob Rizy.

Richie Leonard IV started all 12 games last season for the arch-rival Florida Gators. He has solidified himself as a pivotal piece on the offensive line for the Seminoles for 2024. As for Ferguson, he is locked in an -or- designation battle with Keiondre Jones for the right guard position. Rizy is competing for a backup center role behind the veteran Maurice Smith.

The offensive line is littered with seniors such as Darius Washington, Richie Leonard IV, Maurice Smith, Jacob Rizy, Keiondre Jones, Jeremiah Byers, and Robert Scott Jr. Even though offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins is suspended for the first three games of the 2024 season, these offensive linemen should be able to hold their own.

Florida State's offensive identity should be their ability to effectively run the football this upcoming season. There were times last year when the offensive line let them down in 2023, but this should be a bounce-back year for the unit. Given that the offense has so many new faces, the offensive line should be a firm foundation for them to lean on.