The 2013 BCS National Champions will be getting their 2014 campaign underway in Dallas on August 30th. After winning its first national championship in 14 years last season, Florida State looks to have a very good shot at defending its title. Though quarterback Jameis Winston will garner most of the attention, FSU looks to be solid from top to bottom as Noled Out continues its position previews.
Florida State is obviously deep and talented at a lot of positions, but perhaps none more than up front. The Seminoles will return four starters along the offensive line and should have little trouble protecting Winston or making holes for Karlos Williams and the talented stable of tailbacks that FSU has. Here’s a quick look at Florida State’s offensive line for the upcoming 2014 season:
The Headliner
Cameron Erving, Senior (Tackle)
A former defensive tackle, senior Cameron Erving has done nothing, but excel since moving to the offensive side of the football. As Florida State’s left tackle and the protector of Jameis Winston’s blind side, Erving has become one of the nation’s top pass protectors and should be one of the most sought after tackles in the 2015 NFL Draft. After being named All-ACC as well as an All-American by a number of publications in 2013 and with 28 starts already under his belt, Erving enters 2014 as a legitimate Outland Trophy contender.
The Sleeper
Austin Barron, Senior (Center)
Replacing a Rimington Award winner and a four-year starter like Bryan Stork is never easy, but Austin Barron has played meaningful football in the past. Due to injury, Barron was forced into action as a freshman in 2011 and helped lead the Seminoles to key wins over rival Florida as well as Notre Dame in the Champ Sports Bowl. While Barron is the lone projected starter not returning for the Seminoles, he has long waited his turn to become the team’s starting center and should make the most of it.
The Future
Alec Eberle, Freshman (Center)
As one of the nation’s most sought after high school centers, Alec Eberle should shore up things on the interior of the Florida State offensive line for years to come. Eberle moves well and could play his way into the starting lineup as early as 2015. While Eberle could stand to add weight, the incoming freshman is quick and versatile enough to play either guard or center throughout the course of his FSU career.
Other Names to Know
Tre’ Jackson, Senior (Guard)
A returning first team All-ACC performer, Tre’ Jackson has blossomed into one of the best guards in the country and will provide leadership along the offensive front. Jackson has 28 starts to his name already and at 6’4″ and nearly 340 pounds, Jackson routinely blows opponents off the football. While the Seminoles are talented all along the offensive front, Jackson will likely be the guy FSU most often runs behind in short-yardage situations.
Josue Matias, Senior (Guard)
Left guard Josue Matias has started 29 consecutive games and is a stellar run-blocker at 6’6″ and 330 pounds. Having played with Bryan Stork, Tre’ Jackson and Cameron Erving, Matias has often flown under the radar, but still managed to garner third team All-ACC honors in 2013. With over two years worth of starts, few would be surprised if Matias was selected to the conference’s first team in 2014.
Bobby Hart, Senior (Tackle)
A 20-year-old senior, Bobby Hart was inconsistent early in his career, but has become a reliable pass protector on the right side. Hart started all 14 games for Florida State a season ago and earned honorable mention when the ACC’s all-conference teams were announced. Hart has room to improve as a run-blocker, but should prove to be one of the ACC’s best right tackles in 2014.
Overview
With over 100 combined starts entering the season, the Florida State offensive line should be one of the best units in the entire country. Left tackle Cameron Erving and right guard Tre’ Jackson are both legitimate All-American candidates while Josue Matias and Bobby Hart are All-ACC caliber performers and very experienced. While there is no shortage of talent for the Seminoles anywhere, the experienced offensive line could greatly make up for the youth expected to step in at the skill positions. As is the case with most offensive lines, the front five for Florida State will go largely unnoticed, but Rick Trickett’s bunch may prove to be FSU’s heart and soul this upcoming season.
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