FSU football’s depth chart for 2017 opener vs. Alabama

Normally, we’d have just received our second depth chart of the season today. The first one is typically included in the Media Guide, and then we get an updated version after fall camp closes and opponent preparation officially begins. But this year, Florida State omitted a depth chart from the aforementioned Media Guide, so we’re seeing one for the first time less than a week ahead of the opener against Alabama.

My first impression regards how few “or” inclusions are present. But the only starting job to include an “or” is the Will linebacker spot, where Matthew Thomas shares the starting role with Emmett Rice, a curious development, since Thomas was just announced to (probably) be practicing again.

The other “or” statements regard the backup quarterbacks and running backs. Behind Deondre Francois at QB, J.J. Cosnetino splits the QB2 line with freshmen James Blackman and Bailey Hockman, while the second-string RB role under Jacques Patrick is occupied by a trio of Cam Akers, Ryan Green, and Amir Rasul.

Other items of note include walk-on receiver Justin Motlow backing up Nyqwan Murray instead of heralded freshman D.J. Matthews and frosh Tre‘ McKitty having leapt Nasir Upshur into the No. 3 tight end spot. The starting offensive line, let to right: Derrick Kelly II, Landon Dickerson, Alec Eberle, Cole Minshew, and Rick Leonard.

On the defensive side of the ball, transfer Adonis Thomas is the backup Mike linebacker behind Ro’Derrick Hoskins, not Dontavious Jackson, while Levonta Taylor appears to have won the battle for the field cornerback spot. Also, Kyle Meyers is listed as the starter at the star position.