Projecting Florida State’s 2020 Depth Chart: Offense

With the season scheduled to start just a few short weeks from now, we’re taking a stab at what Florida State’s depth chart might look like when the ’Noles open the 2020-2021 season. Just think of it like setting your two-deep on your new copy of NCAA Football 21, which we still like to pretend is still a thing.

Today, we’ll start with the offense.

Quarterback

James Blackman

Chubba Purdy

Jordan Travis

Tate Rodemaker

Thoughts, questions and observations: We already decided to break our own rules here right out of the gate and go four-deep because quarterback is the most important position and the room is getting a bit tight. Blackman is talented and has the most experience. Chubba Purdy comes with high expectations from the fan base. Can the mental part of the dynamic youngster’s game catch up to the physical part as he enters college? Travis is somewhat of an unknown quantity as a passer. Can he develop into a true duel threat or is he more of a gadget player like Taysom Hill? Rodemaker is a redshirt candidate. An early enrollee who shows promise but not as toolsy as those ahead of him.

Running back

Jashaun Corbin

La’Damian Webb

Ja’Khi Douglas

Thoughts, questions and observations: With Khalan Laborn recently gone from the program, that leaves the Aggie transfer as the starter. The only proven commodity in the room, Corbin looks to overcome a severe leg injury. Webb gets the nod to be the first off the bench to spell Corbin, he’s a versatile back that Norvell has shown an affinity for. Douglas was able to be an early enrollee and get in the playbook. An explosive athlete who should be ready to play a role this season.

Wide Receiver

Tamorrion Terry

D.J. Matthews

Ontaria Wilson

Warren Thompson

Keyshawn Helton

Jordan Young

Thoughts, questions and observations: The WR position is one that will see guys lining up all over. For this position we listed a top six of guys we anticipate will being heavily involved in the rotation.

Wildly athletic for his large size, Terry is a true No. 1 receiver and perhaps the best deep threat in the country. Terry made the right move returning for another season, and we’d like to see him use this year wisely by rounding out his game and improving his catch consistency and route running. Matthews will have many roles, even though he’s been viewed as a slot WR at FSU — it’s time to think outside the box. A reliable player opposite of Terry is a must, and Wilson will look to fill that role. Warren Thompson is perhaps the most freakish player on the roster but can he put it all together? If Helton is healthy he will have a heavy role in the Mike Norvell offense. Young has shown some flashes and could line up all over the WR corp. Expect to see him get time in the slot as a mismatch against smaller nickel defenders.

Tight End

Camren McDonald

Jordan Wilson

Wyatt Rector

Thoughts, questions and observations: With Tre’ McKitty gone, McDonald will step into the TE1 role, a very important position in Norvell’s offense. The UCLA graduate transfer should give Norvell an experienced inline blocker. Will Rector be on scholarship? Could also be the primary 3-back.

Fullback

Armani Kerr

DJ Lundy

Thoughts, questions and observations: Kerr is a walk-on LB who will be making his debut at FB this season. Lundy is high school RB who, as a three-time state wrestling champ, is very physical.

Left Tackle

Darius Washington

Chaz Neal

Thoughts, questions and observations: Washington should slot in at LT for years to come. Played well as a freshman but needs to be healthy. Is this the year Neal puts it together?

Left Guard

Brady Scott

Ira Henry

Thoughts, questions and observations: Scott has bounced around but looked good at times last season at left guard. Allowing the veteran player to work next to Washington should be a good combination on the left side. Henry looks the part but this is a big year for his development.

Center

Baveon Johnson

Andrew Boselli

Thomas Shrader

Thoughts, questions and observations: A redshirt senior, can the nation’s No. 1 center prospect of the 2016 class leave his mark? Is his athleticism back after shedding some weight? Bosselli might be the more consistent snapper. Can he take a leap in his second full season back with the team? Can Shrader, the freshman, push the two veterans?

Right Guard

Dontae Lucas

Maurice Smith

Thoughts, questions and observations: Lucas returns to anchor a unit that hopes to take a big step forward this season. What’s the talented sophomore’s status to start the season? Smith, a sophomore, showed in stints that he can be a good interior linemen. Developing his body this offseason was a must.

Right Tackle

Devontay Love-Taylor

Jay Williams

Thoughts, questions and observations: Love-Taylor comes over as a graduate transfer and could play guard also. The need is greater at RT though and he should start the season there. Can the junior college prospect give you some snaps?

Specialists

We believe that kickers and kick returners are fundamentally offensive players, while we believe punters and punt returners really work for the defense. Therefore, the punting specialists will be included in our defensive depth chart.

Kicker

Parker Grothaus or Ryan Fitzgerald

With Ricky Aguayo gone, these two will battle it out. Grothaus was 5 of 6 on extra points last season.

Kick returner

Corbin returned kicks at Texas A&M but is now the starter at running back. Several players will get opportunities here, likely including freshman Corey Wren. Helton and defensive back Isaiah Bolden have returning experience here.

Long snapper

Grant Glennon or Garrett Murray

Invisible when things go right, consistency will be the key to winning this job.