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Why Florida State football is going super young on offensive line vs. stout Duke defense

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·5 min read

Florida State football (1-5, 1-4 ACC) continues to shuffle the offensive line, identifying the best front five.

As FSU prepares for a Friday night lights ACC matchup against the Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 1-1), the offensive line will have its sixth lineup change, with Andre' Otto and Jaylen Early as the starting guards, according to this week's depth chart, which was released on Monday.

After Tuesday's practice, Alex Atkins, FSU's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, spoke about having the young guards in the lineup in preparation against the Blue Devils.

"It's an opportunity," Atkins said.

"What I've seen is their hunger. They're working at it, focused. I think it's their level of preparation. When you come in early in the weekend, you're going to be the guy, so it kind of levels up their preparation and seeing them in the building more, which is good."

FSU offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins watches team stretch during the Seminoles' third spring football practice on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
FSU offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Alex Atkins watches team stretch during the Seminoles' third spring football practice on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

Otto will be making his second career start at left guard for the Seminoles.

Atkins evaluated the redshirt freshman's debut against Clemson and his progression. He also compared to Early's first start earlier the year against Memphis, which was a last-minute change after Darius Washington was a late scratch.

"He had some high, high moments and some low, low moments," Atkins said about Otto.

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"It's the same thing for Jaylen Early. His first start in his career was against Memphis, and it was unexpected. Then, against Cal, he knew he would be the starter, so you saw that progression, and he did a little bit better."

Duke is also coming off a bye week. Before that, it suffered its first loss to Georgia Tech, 24-14, in Week 6. Manny Diaz's defense is ranked 27th in total defense, second in tackles for loss (58) and 15th in sacks (18).

"I think Duke does a good job of playing without hesitation," Atkins said.

"I think we've seen Manny run his defense and do a good job of making sure he doesn't give you the same pictures, surprising you with some twist looks. "

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"Also, he gives you some base things that if you're looking for everything else, you can chase ghosts and chase something that is not there."

FSU is last in the country in rushing (58.0), averaging 2.2 yards a carry. The Seminoles are ranked 129th in total offense (273.5) and have yet to put together a 300-yard performance.

Atkins, in hopes of establishing an offensive identity right away against the Blue Devils, wants everyone to own up to their mistakes and see improvements going into the second half of the season.

"We need to improve on going into the plan as well because we got a lot of holes and things we got to make sure we're hitting on before even start worried about somebody else," Atkins said.

"So, it's making sure we are putting the guys in the situation but also holding ourselves accountable to what's being and making sure that improves as well."

Jeremiah Byers wants Jaylen Early, Andre Otto to take advantage of the opportunity

FSU's starting right tackle Jeremiah Byers said after Tuesday's practice that he feels 100 percent after missing four games earlier in the year and making his first return to the lineup last week against Clemson.

He also looks forward to playing alongside Otto and Early on the offensive line. The senior right tackle is expected to lead and guide the young guards.

He advised them to embrace their roles, knowing they are part of the future for the Seminoles.

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"The opportunity came, and it's time to make the most of it," Byers said.

"As leaders, we just got to make sure that we are there, talking to them during the plays and make sure that they got the even kill the same head."

In preparation for the second half of the season, Byers wants the offensive line to improve their ability to contain and seal its blocks. For Byers, finishing blocks is an issue from the front five for FSU.

"Got to show more effort, finish, but that's the biggest thing," Byers said. "Once you get on your block, keep the person blocked. That's the biggest thing we got to do."

How to watch FSU vs. Duke game

  • Date: Friday, Oct. 18

  • Time: 7 p.m.

  • Where: Wallace Wade Stadium/ Durham, North Carolina

  • TV: ESPN2

FSU football schedule 2024: TV channels, dates and start times

All times Eastern

* = ACC

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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football likes 'hunger' from young OL Andre Otto, Jaylen Early