Seminoles confident in O-line

After the departures of three-year starter

at left tackle and veteran the Florida State offensive line seems poised to take a step back in 2017. The team, however, sees it a different way. “There was a little bit of a division last year especially with some guys, older guys and younger guys, and actually finding a stable offensive line combination,” sophomore OL said. “I think this year we have done much better at meshing as a unit and becoming one.” Varied new and old faces, including

and have risen to the occasion, stepping into larger roles.

That being said, perhaps the biggest change has been the continuing development of the more established linemen.

“I’ve seen his leadership really grow,” Dickerson said of C whose 19 starts heading into 2017 are the most among all offensive players. “He was a good player before and he’s becoming a better player as time goes on, but I think his leadership style has shifted and has really been able to bring the offensive line together.

The optimism surrounding FSU’s offensive line will be tested early in 2017. The Seminoles face off against topnotch defensive lines (Alabama, Miami and NC State) in three of their first four games.

No. 3 FSU vs. No. 1 Alabama, Sept. 2, 8 p.m.,

Johnson Landon Dickerson Cole Minshew Alec Eberle, Next game:

ABC

Rick Leonard, Roderick Kareem Are, Derrick Kelly,