Heading into 2015, Florida State has a number of big question marks. Perhaps none however, are bigger than its biggest unit – the offensive line. The Seminoles are replacing all five starters from last season’s opener including All-Americans Cameron Erving and Tre’ Jackson.
Josue Matias and Bobby Hart brought a lot of experience to the offensive front as FSU enters the season with perhaps as many as four starters who have never played a meaningful down. Here are the names to know for a unit that could make or break FSU in 2015:
The Headliner
Roderick Johnson, Sophomore (Tackle)
The lone returning starter, Roderick Johnson made his first start against Miami in mid-November of last season. An imposing figure at 6’7” and 310 pounds, Johnson immediately provided a spark to the Florida State offense. Despite starting only five games, Johnson was named a Freshman All-American by USA Today and Athlon Sports and is expected to be one of the best players in the ACC this season.
The Sleeper
Kareem Are, Redshirt Junior (Guard)
A junior college transfer, coaches have raved about Kareem Are’s potential. Are was the top junior college guard when he committed to FSU last year. Are has great size at 6’6” and 330 pounds, but is also versatile with the ability to play either inside or out. If Are settles in as many hope, he has the potential to be an All-ACC selection.
The Future
Abdul Bello, Freshman (Tackle)
An Under Armor All-American, Abdul Bello could see the field as early as this season for the Seminoles. Despite being 6’5” and 300 pounds, Bello moves very well and looks to have a bright future as a pass-protector. Bello has work to do in regards to learning the offense, but has the potential to be a 3 or 4-year starter.
Other Names to Know
Wilson Bell, Redshirt Sophomore (Guard)
Redshirt sophomore Wilson Bell is the favorite to start opposite Kareem Are at the guard position. At 6’4” and 320 pounds, Bell has appeared in just four career games, but was named player of the year on the offensive scout team along with quarterback John Franklin III in 2013. Bell could improve his footwork, but is very strong and very physical.
Chad Mavety, Redshirt Junior (Tackle)
Another junior college transfer, Chad Mavety is likely to compete for the starting right tackle spot. A 4-star recruit, Mavety is regarded as a solid pass-blocker. Mavety was one of the nation’s top 10 junior college prospects when he committed to FSU last season.
Alec Eberle, Redshirt Freshman (Center)
A 6’5″, 295-pound redshirt freshman, Alec Eberle is expected to battle for a starting spot inside. Eberle isn’t overly gifted physically, but has football smarts. Eberle however, did struggle with shotgun snaps during the FSU spring game which could be a concern as he’s projected to man the center position.
Ryan Hoefeld, Redshirt Sophomore (Center)
Ryan Hoefeld is one of very few offensive linemen for FSU with meaningful game experience. Hoefeld started four games last season, but was very inconsistent. Hoefeld is a member of the ACC’s All-Academic team, but needs to get stronger and more physical if he is to fit into the Seminoles’ long-term plans.
Corey Martinez, Redshirt Freshman (Guard)
Corey Martinez is another guy for Florida State who can play either guard or center. Martinez is 6’5″ and 295 pounds and impressed last season on the scout team. Martinez is expected to be in the mix with Eberle, Hoefeld and Bell on the inside, but his versatility makes him an asset long-term.
Derrick Kelly, Redshirt Freshman (Tackle)
For redshirt freshman Derrick Kelly, seeing the field looks to be more of a matter of when rather than if. At 6’5″ and 310 pounds, Kelly was a 4-star recruit out of high school and has a nice balance of strength and quickness. Kelly is likely to battle Chad Mavety for FSU’s starting right tackle spot.
Overview
The offensive line for Florida State is perhaps the team’s biggest question mark for 2015 with Roderick Johnson and Kareem Are the only real definites when it comes to the starting five. Gelling quickly will be very important once the FSU coaching staff has decided on the other three starters. The offensive front likely won’t be outstanding for the Seminoles, but with the skill players FSU has on offense, it shouldn’t have to be. If the offensive line can be a serviceable unit for Florida State, the Seminoles should again be very good offensively. Again, that’s a big, important if.
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