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Willie Taggart’s first Florida State offensive line recruiting class shows a promising mix of talent at the tackle and guard positions. Chaz Neal and Jalen Goss have the prototypical length you’d expect at the tackle position, while Christian Meadows and Christian Armstrong look like your classic road-graders.
Below, we profile each recruit’s strengths and projected impact at Florida State.
Chaz Neal
Chaz Neal is a 6’7, 255-pound athlete who will play offensive tackle at FSU. Neal has played the majority of his snaps in high school as a defensive end, so his projection at tackle is one of upside and development. Physically, the upside is clearly there. Neal will surely work to add weight and his frame looks prime to increase some lean mass. One thing evident from his film at defensive end is his ability to bend. Neal shows flexibility in his hips and ankles. This will help him as he learns to pass set and fire low off the ball in the run game. FSU fans should not expect an immediate contribution from Neal, but he is definitely one to keep an eye on as he spends a few years working to develop his body and learn a brand-new position.
Christian Meadows
Christian Meadows is a 6’3, 321-pound interior linemen who will enroll at Florida State to play guard. Meadows played interior offensive line in high school and is a mauler. Physically, he is wide bodied and very stout at the point of attack. Meadows has good feet for a player his size. When Meadows plays heavy handed, he delivers a powerful blow that knocks defensive linemen backward. There is evidence of a good bending ability as an interior linemen that he’ll need to stand up against bullrushes. Meadows shows athleticism getting out on screens, and leading backs down the field. FSU fans should be excited about Meadows’ potential as an interior offensive linemen. He shows the ability to be a two or three year starter for the Noles. In a collegiate strength and conditioning program, he will reshape his body and be an impressive player.
Jalen Goss
Jalen Goss was a late bloomer in this year’s recruiting class whom Coach Frey and staff coveted. Goss is a 6’7 265-pound offensive tackle who shows tremendous athletic upside. The first thing that jumps out about Goss is his willingness to unload on defensive players. Goss has the frame to play around 300 pounds and maintain his athleticism. One thing that shows up on Goss’ highlight tape is his ability to sit in a chair in his pass drops. This is a key skill as an offensive tackle when setting as a pass blocker. When doubling with a guard, Goss overtakes with power and plays well in double teams. Goss shows an edginess while playing and he stays after defenders until the whistle blows. Goss has the potential to be a top-flight offensive tackle at Florida State if he can put the necessary weight on.
Christian Armstrong
As a member of the early signing period, Christian Armstrong is built to be an offensive tackle. He’s 6’5, 335 pounds, and chose Florida State over Alabama, Georgia and Auburn. The strongest part of Armstrong’s game that reveals itself on tape is his ability to barrel his way down-field while run blocking. The Warner Robbins (Ga.) native has a great opportunity to compete for Rick Leonard’s now vacant spot at right tackle. This might be the reason why Armstrong was one of the first players targeted by Taggart.