Florida State Football: 4 Most Important Position Battles in 2012

For the second straight season, FSU will open the season ranked inside the Top 10.

The high ranking is accompanied by big expectations and the fan base is expecting to reach a BCS Bowl this season.

The positional battles that are already raging will go a long way in determining how successful FSU will be this season. 

Running Back

The Seminoles are talented and deep at the running back position. It's likely that rather than seeing one player take the majority of the carries, the load will be split between a number of backs.

These backs being, Chris Thompson, Lonnie Pryor, Devonta Freeman, James Wilder Jr. and Mario Pender. 

Thompson led the team in rushing in 2010 but suffered a serious back injury last season against Wake Forest. He is a well-rounded player who can do it all, although he lacks top-end speed. This shouldn't hurt the Noles because they have other backs with top-end speed.

Lonnie Pryor will see a lot of action at fullback this season; he is an excellent blocker. FSU will need Pryor to block well because the offensive line may struggle at points this season. The blocking of Pryor may be one of the biggest factors in determining FSU's success this season.

After Thompson was lost for the season, the carries went to Devonta Freeman who played well. Freeman is out for the Spring, but should enter Fall camp as the starter. If Freeman continues to show progress, he should start the season at tailback. 

Wilder Jr. and Pender have a ton of ability and it will not surprise the FSU faithful if either has a tremendous season in a limited role. Pender has break-away speed and is a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. Wilder Jr. has the size to be a linebacker and is one the best athletes on the entire team. 

Backup Quarterback

Clint Trickett performed admirably when EJ Manuel was injured. Unfortunately, Trickett was unable to lead the Seminoles past Clemson or Wake Forest—which really hurt the Seminoles' season. 

Trickett will have to battle with Jacob Coker to keep his role as EJ's backup. Coker is much bigger than Trickett. Coker is 6'5" and weighs 235 pounds, while Trickett is 6'2" and weighs in at 174 pounds. 

Trickett's biggest advantage over Coker will be his experience. Coker was redshirted last season and hasn't appeared in a game thus far in his career. 

Hopefully the only time either one of these quarterbacks have to play is in mop up duty with FSU holding an insurmountable lead. 

Right Tackle

Bobby Hart is the current right tackle. He doesn't turn 18 until August. 

Bryan Stork, who last season was listed as a center, appears to be the backup for now. Don't count Stork out, though. He has gained a lot of weight since getting to FSU. 

The starter at right tackle will be young but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The winner of this battle should be the starting tackle for at least the next two years.

Hart started nine games last season due to injuries and will only continue to improve.

These two young guys will push each other and that will only help the team. 

Whoever wins the starting position will deserve it and should easily be able to hold their own.

Defensive Tackle

The situation at defensive tackle position is similar to the one running back.

FSU has a ton of talent at the position and will utilize a rotation to allow everyone to contribute. 

Jacobbi McDaniel and Timmy Jernigan are out for the Spring with injuries, but hopefully both will be ready for training camp. 

Everett Dawkins and Demonte McAllister have been getting the majority of the snaps this Spring. 

FSU's defense has the chance to be special this season, but that is contingent upon them being able to stop the run. 

This starts right in the middle at the defensive tackle position.

There is no questioning that they are very talented at the position—the coaches are going to have a difficult time coming up with the proper rotation. 

It is a win-win situation for FSU though, so it shouldn't be a problem to have too much talent.