It’s not that Cameron Erving wasn’t productive at defensive tackle.
He didn’t start a game last season but played in all 13, registering 20 tackles and a sack during a steady redshirt freshman season.
But coach Jimbo Fisher, noting Erving’s quickness, athleticism and long arms, saw a future star when he looked at the sophomore.
At offensive left tackle.
“I really like him,” Fisher said. “He gets it. He’s athletic. He’s long, strong; he bends. He’s smart, instinctive. He’s got a chance to be very, very good.”
Erving, a 6-5, 305-pounder from Moultrie, Ga., had never played offense until he made the switch during spring practice.
Erving didn’t make the decision lightly. Fisher, in fact, approached Erving twice during the past year to gauge his interest in the move.
Fisher explained to Erving the value of being a left tackle, which protects a right-handed quarterback’s blind side.
Erving talked it over with his family and the coaching staff, but says the final decision was left up to him.
“I feel like it’s a business decision,” Erving told The Tallahassee Democrat.
“I’m going to have fun playing football, but I also want to help my team. So any way I can help my team is making me happy. … I felt like if these coaches who do this for a living feel like that I can step in and make an impact at a certain position, then I feel like I have to look at it.”
Erving did more than look at the position change; he flourished even as FSU attempts to build a viable offensive line.
Erving made a quick transition, outplaying junior college transfer Daniel Glauser and emerging from spring drills as the Seminoles’ starter at left tackle. While Erving struggled at times, he also held his own against All-American defensive end Brandon Jenkins.
Jenkins came away impressed.
“He’s going to be great,” Jenkins said. “For the first two days (of spring), I’ve been having trouble with him. He has great hands, long arms. He’s going to be great.”
Erving was quick to credit Jenkins for accelerating his learning curve, which is expected to continue well into this season.
“I got mine and Brandon got his,” Erving said following the spring game.
“At the end of the day, it’s only the small things that separate you. Brandon’s going to make plays regardless. He’s a great player. It’s the small things we have to fine-tune. So we’re going to get the best of each other.
“Somebody’s got to win every time.”