After redshirting his 2010 season, Erving played defensive tackle in 2011, registering 20 total tackles and a sack. After some issues on the Seminoles offensive line, Erving was asked to flip to the offensive side of the ball and ended up becoming the team's starting left tackle in 2012, starting all 14 games.
Honestly, when I made the switch a lot of people asked me how I felt about it in terms of the NFL. That wasnt on my mind. I mean, Ive always been the type
of person that does whats best for the team," said Erving of his position switch for the 2012 season. When I moved from defense (after freshman season,) that was what was best for the team. And thats how I did. As far as moving from tackle to center its what the team needed at the time. So I did it.
The move ended up being a good decision in the long run for both Florida State and Erving, as he protected the blind side of both E.J. Manuel and Jameis Winston. Erving started 42 straight games, ending up with All-ACC Honors and twice winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACCs top blocker.
Erving, midway through the 2014 season, was asked to move to center, where many NFL teams project him at the next level.
Its definitely a good thing, its a big positive," said Erving of being able to play multiple positions on the offensive line. Ive always taken pride in what I do, so to be able to play center and tackle havent played a lot of guard, never played guard, honestly knowing that they can stick me in and play guard as well is definitely a plus.
Ervings versatility and potential for more growth as a lineman are intriguing qualities to NFL teams. At 6'5" and 313 lbs., he has shown he has good strength for the position and could potentially be a day-one starter for a NFL team.
Scouts Take
Former defensive lineman who is still learning the nuances of offensive-line play after just two seasons as a starter. Has the length and foot quickness to play tackle, but film work shows that he will have a much more successful career at center. Possesses skill set and temperament to show rapid development. Could be a Day 1 starter, but a year of seasoning would help.
- Lance Zeirlien, NFL.com
An All-American left tackle, Erving was the back-up center during FSU practices and moved inside full-time for the final five games of the 2014 season, solidifying the Seminoles offensive line and reinventing himself as a NFL prospect appeared much more comfortable on tape at center. Although he started the last 42 games on the offensive line since moving over from defense, he is still raw in a lot of areas and not yet the sum of his parts, but the tools, intangibles and versatility are there for him to be a long-time NFL starter. Erving doesnt have a preference at left tackle or center, but was a much better prospect inside, showing improved confidence and effectiveness in small quarters top-40 prospect and the drafts top center prospect.
- Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
How Would it Help the Texans?
The Texans have a potential question mark on the interior of their offensive line, and finding a way to get a full-time starter in the mix on whom they can depend on for years to come would be something Erving could offer. He could potentially be the day-one starter at center and be there for the next five seasons, which the Texans got used to with Chris Myers in the position for seven years.
Erving could learn on the job and, teamed with Xavier Sua-Filo and Brandon Brooks, give the Texans a good, young core in the middle of their offense. It might not be the flashiest pick, but it could be a solid one, taking Erving and not worrying about the center position for years to come.