Over the past almost six years at Florida State, offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has brought in multiple ringers to test redshirt senior Maurice Smith’s job security.
The job: starting center.
However, each time Smith has stood on his ground and has just about created a tenured position on the Seminoles’ O-line.
“Coach Atkins shares stories about bringing in multiple guys to take my position and I stand up to it,” Smith said.
While Smith missed two games last season against Southern Miss and Boston College due to injury, he started every game after that at center. During the 2022 season, he started the final 12 games of the year.
He’s been a mainstay on FSU’s offensive line but is always open to competition. Head coach Mike Norvell even told Smith that someone could be coming to take that spot.
“Coach told me in the meeting room that someone else is coming,” Smith said. “I’m always going to stand up for the job though. It doesn’t matter. I love competition.”
This could be Smith’s last season with the Seminoles and while he’s focused on getting the job done this season, he’s making sure that there is no dip at center whenever he leaves.
One of the players Smith said that he’s been “mentoring” is freshman Tye Hylton.
He was one of four offensive linemen who signed to FSU out of the Class of 2024 from Oviedo High School, ranked as the No. 67 offensive tackle in the country.
“I’m just trying to be a big brother to him as he’s coming into this new environment,” Smith said.
The Seminoles offensive line did take a handful of losses in the offseason, mainly having guys graduate out of the program, but there’s a lot of potential for the line this season as well.
One of the names that has been thrown around all throughout spring camp is redshirt junior Bryson Estes and his progress. Last season he’s action was limited to special teams work during field goals, but could be stepping into a large role this fall.
“Bryson is stepping up and growing up,” Smith said. “He’s having a great spring. He’s growing up and it’s time to work now.”
Estes has stood out, but Smith said a lot of linemen have been stepping up in the spring to fill in gaps left by guys that have left.
“We’ve lost a lot, but there are a lot of guys stepping up from younger roles,” Smith said.
For Smith, he’s planning on taking a larger leadership role this season and continuing to cement himself as FSU’s go-to center.
“Great leadership and a good player,” Smith said when asked what can be expected from him this season.
Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on X @jackgwilliams.
