Notes from FSU football’s first 2019 depth chart as ’Noles prepare for Boise State

The Seminoles released their first depth chart for the 2019 season today, ahead of the opener on Saturday night against Boise State. So let’s run through this thing, and point out some areas of note.

Offense

No surprises up top, as Florida State dismissed speculation about a QB battle last night by naming James Blackman QB1, with Cam Akers on the top line for running back and Tamorrion Terry on the outside at WR.

There is evidence of a real battle at the slot receiver position, listed as D.J. Matthews OR Keyshawn Helton OR Tre’Shaun Harrison. Expect to see all three. Similarly, at the other outside WR spot, Keith Gavin OR Ontaria Wilson are listed.

The tight end spot seems to be far from settled as well, as Tre’McKitty is separated from both Camren McDonald and Gabe Cabers by an OR. This is mostly just situational.

Up front, it’s about as we anticipated, with the big news of the day being Dontae Lucas as RG1 ahead of Mike Arnold. Otherwise, all the starting roles are pretty well defined.

Defense

Wilson, Cooper, Durden is just what we expected across the front of FSU’s new 3-4 base look, while on the edge, Joshua Kaindoh was unable to overcome time lost to a hamstring injury this fall and snag a starting spot opposite Janarius Robinson. Instead, he’s backing up Robinson, with Leonard Warner III on the other side.

Next to Dontavious Jackson in the middle is Jaiden Lars-Woodbey, who will remain closer to the line of scrimmage than the safety position he played in high school. He’d wanted to get back to the secondary, but at this point, he’s just FSU’s best option, as he’s instinctive and a sure tackler.

Hamsah Nasirildeen does claim the free safety spot, after he was also experimented with some at a LB position. Converted cornerback Levonta Taylor joins him at the strong safety position, while to nobody’s surprise, Stanford Samuels III and Asante Samuel, Jr. are the corners. True frosh Akeem Dent and Renardo Green are each backup DBs.

Special Teams

Nothing really out of the ordinary here. But talented freshman Travis Jay did sneak into the role of backup punt returner.