Florida State Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

4 of 4

TALLAHASSEE, FL – NOVEMBER 26: Florida State Seminoles offensive lineman Rick Leonard (76) before the snap during the NCAA football game between the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles on November 26, 2016, at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fl. Florida State won the game 31-13. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Can the offensive line hold up?

Florida State’s offensive line struggled mightily at the beginning of last season before putting together a promising stretch run, but will now have to find a way to replace its best player and stands out as the biggest question mark on a loaded roster.

The Seminoles were forced to used a number of lineup combinations last year before key returners like Cole Minshew and Rick Leonard settled in. Still, none of the five spots are really settled, as star Rodrick Johnson left a year early for the NFL and two likely starters in center Alec Eberle and right guard Landon Dickerson are recovering from injuries.

That’s going to test the Seminoles’ talented yet unproven depth at the position, and Fisher will need to find the right combination before taking on Alabama. The Seminoles have recruited the position well over the past couple of seasons, with redshirt freshman Josh Ball standing out as the most likely candidate to take over long-term at left tackle thanks to his 6-8, 287-pound frame.

Junior Brock Ruble will be the lineman to watch on Saturday after earning first-team reps over Leonard at right tackle this spring. Left guard is also open with starter Kareem Are graduating, with Ethan Frith recently taking snaps over Minshew.

Florida State is probably going to use a number of lineups in the scrimmage, and the Spring Game could go a long way towards determining who earns a starting role in 2017.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Is Derwin James healthy?

James is one of the most valuable players in college football when he’s on the field, and will be getting his first game action since September in come Saturday.

The jack-of-all-trades safety was praised for his versatility and playmaking ability following an outstanding freshman campaign and was a huge part of Florida State’s season-opening comeback win over Ole Miss with eight tackles and an interception. Unfortunately, James suffered a torn meniscus in Week 2 and was unable to return to the field for the rest of the year.

While meniscus surgery can be difficult to recover from, the reports so far this spring are positive. If James is at full strength, he will take over as Florida State’s top defender for a unit that lost All-American defensive end DeMarcus Walker to graduation.

Florida State appears likely to have James take on an even bigger role in 2017, as he’s lined up at every defensive position this spring while getting some kick return reps in. With a complete skill set as a defender in pass protection, run coverage and blitzing the quarterback in addition to the possibility of being used on special teams, James has the ability to make a run at the Heisman.

Next: Best college quarterback born in every state

First, he will need to prove there’s no lingering impact from the knee injury, starting on Saturday. James’ versatility will be crucial in shutting down dynamic opposing quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson this year.

Home/College Football