Florida State football: Choose your 2019 starting offensive line

With spring practice underway, fans are starting to get glimpses of Florida State’s offensive line taking snaps at different positions. As observed in our practice reports, early results have been mixed. We can’t predict FSU’s starting offensive line against Boise State on August 31^st, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try.

Below is a list of five offensive line combinations. Pick which one you’d most like to see (we give our thoughts below). If you don’t like any of the options (we don’t blame you), let us know a combo we might’ve missed. However, we’ve made some assumptions with these lists. First, we’re assuming the Seminoles don’t add any additional transfers for the offensive line. Second, we’re basing these lists off Northern Illinois graduate transfer Ryan Roberts coming in and challenging for a starting (tackle) spot on the 2019 team. Finally, the health of Cole Minshew is a big question mark. For the sake of this discussion, we’re assuming Minshew is available.

1) The more things change, the more they stay the same. This combination feature four guys who played significant snaps on last year’s squad. Jauan Williams, Brady Scott, Mike Arnold, and Landon Dickerson all started at times for Florida State in 2018. Baveon Johnson takes over at center for the graduated Alec Eberle. If you’re choosing this option, you’re either A) A firm believer in the power of offensive line coach Randy Clements, 2) A glutton for punishment, or D) related to Mike Arnold.

2) In Jalen Goss we trust. This group sees Goss, a redshirt freshman, take over the left tackle spot. Goss has potential, but is still young and desperately needs to add weight. Early reports from practice have been positive. This combination sees Roberts step into the right tackle spot (his position at NIU) immediately. Johnson and Scott remain at the same spot as option 1, with Dickerson moving to his more natural position, guard. If this is your choice, you’re putting a lot of faith in a young left tackle.

3) Here’s hoping they stay healthy. Johnson and Scott stay the same. Roberts moves to a new position, left tackle. But the biggest concern is that the entire right side of the line has a history of injuries. Cole Minshew and Landon Dickerson have both missed more games than they’ve played the last two seasons. Can they make it an entire season without missing significant time? If so, this would make a formidable right side of the line. If this combination is your bet, you better have some backups ready, just in case.

4) Bring on the new guys. This selection sees four new starters. Johnson remains the constant at center. Roberts steps in at right tackle. JUCO transfer, Jay Williams, makes the jump to left tackle and true freshman, Dontae “Pope” Lucas joins Dickerson as your guards. This could be a “mean” lineup, but that’s also a lot of new faces. If you’re picking this option, you’re ready for a clean slate.

5) Please be good. This choice is mixing experience with youth. Lucas and Scott, a true freshman and sophomore, respectively, at guards, and Dickerson and Roberts, the two with the most experience, at tackle. And, of course, we’re really hoping Johnson can be the answer at center. If you pick this last option, you’re hoping talent rises to the top.

6) The risky youth movement. Dickerson and Roberts are your most experienced lineman in this scenario. But can Roberts perform at this level? Can Dickerson stay healthy? What about starting three players with little experience? This group may have the highest upside, but comes with the biggest risk.

What do you think? Make a selection and let us know below which combination was your choice. Is there one that we missed? Spell it out for us and tell us why your option would be better. Whatever the offensive line ends up being this year, let’s just hope it’s a (major) improvement over the last.