Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 27
The countdown to the 2022 Florida State football season is underway.
Mike Norvell's third season atop the Seminoles will be a critical one to his long-term chances in Tallahassee. The roster continues to be shaped more in his desired image as he looks to guide FSU to a bowl for the first time in his tenure.
To begin that look ahead to the upcoming season, it's time for the Democrat's annual list of the 40 most important FSU football players, continuing today with No. 27.
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Our list of the 40 most important FSU football players was compiled on June 9 by aggregating the rankings submitted by beat writers Curt Weiler and Carter Karels. Any players added to the roster after that date were not considered for this list. All ties were broken by discussion.
No. 27: Redshirt junior offensive lineman Bless Harris
There are two different scenarios that are likely to play out with Bless Harris.
At worst, Harris could be FSU’s best backup offensive lineman who rotates into the starting lineup when needed. Harris’ best-case scenario involves him being a capable starter on the right side of the offensive line.
Which possibility unfolds essentially depends on what the Seminole coaching staff plans for D’Mitri Emmanuel and Darius Washington. Emmanuel and Washington could conceivably be the No. 1 right guard and right tackle, respectively. Or Harris could beat one of them out for a starting spot.
In the 2021 FCS spring season, Harris started five games at left tackle for Lamar. He transferred and enrolled at FSU in January before starting at right tackle this spring. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Harris looked like he belonged at the Power Five level, impressing at times against the likes of vaunted Albany transfer defensive end Jared Verse.
Then the Seminoles landed Emmanuel, a three-year starter for Charlotte. The sixth-year graduate transfer started games at left tackle and right tackle. But with his limited length at 6-2, 306 pounds, Emmanuel makes more sense playing on the inside at the ACC level.
Emmanuel starting at right guard, though, could mean Washington usurping Harris at right tackle. Washington lined up as the No. 1 right guard this spring, but offensive tackle seems like his more natural position. He also brings more experience than Harris, starting 20 games across his first three seasons.
FSU adding Emmanuel to the mix ultimately reduced Harris’ chances of securing a starting job. Still, Harris would bring notable value on the bench. The Seminole offensive line has struggled in recent years partly because they lacked depth.
So now if a starter suffers an injury, Harris could function as a serviceable replacement. He has the versatility to play guard and tackle, which increases his value and likelihood of seeing the field. With two years of eligibility remaining, Harris in time should easily elevate his status as the No. 27 most important player.
Florida State football most important player countdown
No. 40: Defensive tackle Jarrett Jackson
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 40
No. 39: Safety Shyheim Brown
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 39
No. 38: Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 38
No. 37: Defensive end Patrick Payton
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 37
No. 36: Defensive back Sam McCall
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 36
No. 35: Defensive back Azareye'h Thomas
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 35
No. 34: Wide receiver Ontaria Wilson
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 34
No. 33: Wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 33
No. 32: Defensive tackle Malcolm Ray
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 32
No. 31: Linebacker Amari Gainer
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 31
No. 30: Linebacker DJ Lundy
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 30
No. 29: Offensive lineman Maurice Smith
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 29
No. 28: Running back Lawrance Toafili
More: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. 28
Reach Carter Karels at ckarels@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @CarterKarels.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football Most Important Player Countdown: No. 27, Bless Harris
