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Florida State

Starting center Maurice Smith out for FSU Football season opener

On3 imageby: Ira Schoffel08/22/22iraschoffel
On3 image
FSU center Maurice Smith (Gene Williams/Warchant)

The Florida State football team entered preseason camp with two main competitors for the starting center job — returning starter Maurice Smith and Wisconsin transfer Kayden Lyles.

Lyles was lost for the season after being injured early in camp, and now Smith is unavailable for this week’s season opener with an undisclosed injury. FSU head coach Mike Norvell confirmed the news at his Monday press conference.

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With the top two centers unavailable, the Seminoles will look to versatile veteran Darius Washington and two younger linemen — Thomas Shrader and Bryson Estes — to handle the snapping duties early this season. Washington, who has played tackle and guard in the past, will be the starter.

“It’s one of his greatest strengths,” Norvell said of Washington’s versatility.

While Smith is not available this week, Norvell said he should return to action “very soon.”

*ALSO SEE: FSU depth charts released for season opener

FSU opens the 2022 season this Saturday against visiting Duquesne. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET and will be broadcast by the ACC Network.

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