The most talented senior on the field when Florida State plays Miami on Saturday might not actually see much of the field.
That's the conundrum surrounding Miami offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson (6-foot-8, 345 pounds), a physical marvel whose production hasn't come close to matching his potential. He's not expected to start, instead being listed as the No. 2 right tackle on Miami's depth chart.
Henderson was suspended for Miami's Oct. 5 win over Georgia Tech, the third time in as many seasons that Henderson missed at least one game because of a suspension. He has been a reserve since he returned.
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Henderson has started just 21 games in his career (nine of those came in his freshman season and three this season) and has lacked consistency when he has been on the field. Still, because of his physical tools, Henderson remains high on a lot of draft boards; he is No. 26 on NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt's list of the nation's top 100 seniors. But given his continued lack of focus, he should be near the top of the "buyer-beware" players available in the 2014 draft.
Here are some other draftable seniors to keep an eye on during Saturday's showdown; Miami quarterback Stephen Morris and FSU linebackers Christian Jones and Telvin Smith were talked about earlier this week. The seniors are listed alphabetically:
Florida State SS Terrence Brooks: After serving as a backup corner and special teams player his first two seasons, he has started the past 21 games at free safety. Brooks (5-11, 200) and has played with more consistency this season. He covers a lot of ground and has shown better instincts this fall. He has 31 tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles this season.
Miami WR Allen Hurns: Hurns (6-3, 195), who never redshirted, is in his third season as a starter. He isn't a blazer, but he is a steady complementary receiver. Hurns leads Miami with 28 receptions for 506 yards and two TDs. He had four TD catches in each of the past two seasons but isn't a true deep threat. Hurns is athletic and has some elusiveness.
Florida State CB Lamarcus Joyner: He has played in every game at FSU since arriving in 2010 as one of the nation's top 20 prep prospects. Joyner (5-8, 195) was a backup corner that season, then started at strong safety in each of the past two seasons before moving back to corner this season. Joyner, a Miami native, lacks ideal size, but he is tough, instinctive, both fast and quick and a big-time hitter. Joyner is good in run support because of his physical nature. He is second on the team with 37 tackles and also has three sacks, four tackles for loss, an interception and three pass breakups. His versatility is a huge selling point; he can play corner, both safety spots and also is comfortable as a nickel or dime back against a slot receiver. He is 44th on Brandt's list of the top 100 seniors.
Miami OT Brandon Linder: He has started 31 consecutive games and has been a steadying force along the line. Linder (6-6, 319) played center in high school at powerhouse Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, was a tackle as a true freshman at UM in 2010, played only guard the past two seasons and has started at guard and tackle this fall. That versatility is a huge plus. He's not overly gifted physically, but he is a cerebral player with good technique who plays with a mean streak.
Florida State DL Demonte McAllister: McAllister (6-2, 290) is a career reserve who has started once in his career (this season, against FCS member Bethune-Cookman). He redshirted as a true freshman in 2009, then was a reserve tackle the past three seasons before moving to end this season under new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. McAllister has good quickness and owns 6.5 career sacks, all as a tackle. But his production and focus never have matched his potential. He has 13 tackles and two quarterback hurries this season while backing up two sophomore ends. McAllister is 13th on Brandt's list.
Florida State C Bryan Stork: He was a lightly recruited run-blocking tight end in high school but was moved inside as soon as he arrived at FSU. Stork (6-4, 300) redshirted as a true freshman, then played guard for two seasons before moving to center last season; he was impressive at his new position and graded out the highest among FSU's offensive linemen. He is athletic and a good technician, and is 77th on Brandt's list of the top 100 seniors.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.