Anchor Of FSU Football's Offensive Line Coming Back To Tallahassee In 2024

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated Jan 1, 2024 3:20 PM ET

A New Year has arrived and Florida State has wasted no time providing plenty of gifts for Seminole fans. The day is still young but there is already a bunch of positive news to celebrate in Tallahassee after the commitment of transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei along with offensive lineman Darius Washington and defensive end Patrick Payton announcing their returns to the program.

The action isn't slowing down as redshirt senior center Maurice Smith joined the group of Seminoles who will be back in 2024 through an announcement with The Battle's End. Smith has been an anchor in the middle of the offensive line throughout his time with the program, starting in 41 of his 45 appearances.

The Florida native signed with Florida State under former head coach Willie Taggart but has grown into an important piece of the offense during Mike Norvell's tenure. He was named Third-Team All-ACC for his performance in 2023 and one of six Seminoles to be awarded the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award. A season prior, he earned honorable mention conference honors and the Don Powell Award.

Smith graded out (69.9) as the third-highest offensive lineman on Florida State's roster who played 100+ snaps. Only Darius Washington (75.6) and Robert Scott (75.2) were ranked above him.

The Seminoles have multiple other veteran offensive linemen on the roster who have eligibility remaining. Florida State is expected to have redshirt senior offensive tackle Robert Scott, redshirt senior offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers, and redshirt junior guard Keiondre Jones back in the fold next year. They'll also be adding four-star Manasse Itete, four-star Jonathan Daniels, three-star Tye Hylton, and three-star Jayden Todd from the high school ranks.

Smith is the sixth Seminole to publicly reveal that he's returning to the program in 2024. Redshirt senior running back Lawrance Toafili, redshirt senior offensive tackle Darius Washington, redshirt junior defensive end Patrick Payton, redshirt junior safety Shyheim Brown, and sophomore wide receiver Destyn Hill all previously made announcements over the last few weeks.