After a competitive camp, Florida State coach Mike Norvell released his first depth chart of the 2025 season on Monday — with a few surprises, too.
There is no immediate winner in the battle to be FSU’s backup quarterback as Brock Glenn and Kevin Sperry are given the “or” designation.
Ashlynd Barker is set to make his first start at safety, with leading returning tackler Shyheim Brown as his backup.
Tight end Chase Loftin, who impressed in high school with his hands and footwork, is listed as a backup receiver to Jayvan Boggs at one of FSU’s three receiver spots. This is also an indication of a few injuries (Lawayne McCoy has missed a good chunk of camp).
“Chase is somebody that we're really excited about,” Norvell said. “From coming in the spring and what he was able to show, seeing how that's been able to transition. He's a very natural route runner, he's got great explosiveness, ball skills. He's a guy that really has earned the opportunity.”
Boggs was also praised for his development in his eight months on FSU’s campus.
“He has been extremely productive,” Norvell said. “From the spring to fall camp, you saw growth. He has a wonderful skill set. But when he's gotten his opportunities he's capitalized on them. He still has a lot of growth in front of him but he's put himself in this position. And I think he's earned the opportunity.”
Jacob Rizy is viewed as the No. 2 guard on the left side and right side. Freshman Chavez Thompson, who had impressed line coach Herb Hand, is the backup to center Luke Petitbon.
Seven freshmen are in the two-deep. Beyond tailback Ousmane Kromah, Sperry, Boggs and Thompson, defensive end Mandrell Desir and cornerback Shamar Arnoux are also listed. Brunno Reus is the No. 2 kicker and punter.
Norvell had 11 “or” designations.
Tennessee transfer Jayson Jenkins also earned a starting bid over Western Kentucky transfer Deante McCray, although in a rotation both will see playing time. Jenkins made a quicker-than-expected return from injury.
“He's a violent player,” Norvell said. “You feel his presence. We knew that whenever he was coming in, unfortunately it was delayed in person with the injury in the spring and having to work through his rehab process. But he attacked every day.”
He also confirmed that McCoy and defensive tackle Kevin Wynn would miss the Alabama game but he is “expecting a relatively quick return” for both players.
“Expecting a relatively quick return but those are two guys that will not be available,” Norvell said.
Offense
Quarterback: Tommy Castellanos, Brock Glenn or Kevin Sperry
Running back: Roydell Williams or Gavin Sawchuk
Running back: Jaylin Lucas, Ousmane Kromah
Wide receiver: Duce Robinson, Gavin Blackwell or Elijah Moore
Wide receiver: Squirrel White, Micahi Danzy or BJ Gibson
Wide receiver: Jayvan Boggs, Chase Loftin
Tight end: Randy Pittman Jr., Amaree Williams or Landen Thomas
Left tackle: Gunnar Hansen, Lucas Simmons
Left guard: Richie Leonard IV or Jacob Rizy, Andre’ Otto
Center: Luke Petitbon, Chavez Thompson
Right guard: Adrian Medley or Jacob Rizy
Right tackle: Micah Pettus, Adrian Medley, Jonathan Daniels
Defense
Defensive end: James Williams, Jaden Jones
Defensive tackle: Darrell Jackson, Daniel Lyons
Defensive end: Jayson Jenkins, Deante McCray or Mandrell Desir
Jack: Omar Graham Jr., Stefon Thompson
Linebacker: Justin Cryer, Blake Nichelson
Linebacker: Elijah Herring, AJ Cottrill
Cornerback: Jeremiah Wilson, Shamar Arnoux
Cornerback: Ja’Bril Rawls, Charles Lester III or Quindarrius Jones
Rover: Earl Little Jr., Donny Hiebert
Safety: Ashlynd Barker, Shyheim Brown
Safety: Edwin Joseph or KJ Kirkland
Special teams
Place-kicker: Jake Weinberg, Brunno Reus
Punter: Mac Chiumento, Brunno Reus
Kick returner: Samuel Singleton Jr. or Jaylin Lucas, Micahi Danzy
Kick returner: Roydell Williams, Gavin Sawchuk
Punt returner: Jaylin Lucas, Squirrel White
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