Florida State is set to replace multiple starters at every level of the defense this offseason, which won't be an easy task, but the Seminoles have a solid foundation with a variety of returning players and one of the top players they acquired in the transfer portal could fill any holes left.
The spring games made it clear that FSU can rely on this unit while it works to get its offensive line together. Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller has a lot of pieces to work on and some areas still need tweaking, but early results suggest the Seminoles should once again field one of the top defenses in the country.
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These are our predictions for how Florida State’s defensive depth will change over the course of the preseason.
1. Patrick Payton, RS Jr.
2. Byron Turner Jr., RS Jr.
3. Jayden Jones, RS Jr.
Patrick Payton is poised to become Florida State's next star defensive end, following in the footsteps of Jermaine Johnson and Jarrett Barth. He's grown immensely over the past two seasons, and looks set to make another big leap this year as he continues to improve on his physique.
If that happens, Byron Turner Jr. will be the primary backup. It's a very similar scenario to last season. Turner Jr. has continued to move in the right direction during his time with the Seminoles. Becoming a quality rotation player would be a good trajectory for his career. Jayden Jones is also worth keeping an eye on after standing out during spring practice. There's no need to give up on him just yet.
1. Darrell Jackson, RS Jr.
2. Tomiwa Durojaiye, RS So./Daniel Lyons, RS So.
3. K. J. Sampson, Fr. R.S.
The starting defensive tackle position for both teams is all but locked down with the duo of Darrell Jackson and Joshua Farmer. Jackson will finally play a big role in Florida State's defensive success after being limited last year due to NCAA waiver issues. He has a lot of potential, but he'll need to put it all together more often before the whistle blows.
A thin roster is a potential concern, but it's not surprising as the program is replacing five defensive tackles who received scholarships from a year ago (Braden Fisk, Fabian Lovett, Dennis Briggs, Malcolm Ray and Ayobami Tiface). FSU used the portal to acquire Tomiwa Durojaiye, who was initially slated to play defensive end. It appears the Seminoles will use him more in the middle of the defense, perhaps giving him the flexibility to be on the outside in certain situations.
The Lions had a good spring but didn't make the leap we expected. He still has room to grow and should remain in the rotation. KJ Sampson is another player to watch. His effort in practice has been impressive and the former blue chip prospect clearly has the talent to make the team.
1. Joshua Farmer, RS Jr.
2. Grady Kelly, RS Jr.
Farmer missed spring practice as he worked his way back from a hand injury that sidelined him for most of the second half of last season. He's essentially a lock to retain his starting role for the second straight year. Farmer is a homegrown talent that's only getting better every year. Barring injury, he could be a truly elite player in 2024.
Behind him, Grady Kelly is expected to establish himself as a reliable rotation member after being a starter for the past two years at Colorado State.
1. Marvin Jones Jr.
2. Sione Lolohea, RS Sr.
3. Aaron Hester, R.S. So.
I initially expected Sione Lolohea to secure the starting spot opposite Patrick Payton before the spring began, but that all changed after Marvin Jones Jr. had a great spring practice and a show-stopping performance at the showcase. He's likely to improve as the games go on and become a key player for the Seminoles.
Lolohea will likely continue to play a lot of minutes as part of the rotation. His power and physicality at the point of attack will be beneficial traits for Florida State. Aaron Hester is one of the players I'll be keeping an eye on during the preseason after impressing at the end of spring with his consistent plays around the ball. If he can finally break free from the injury woes that plagued him early in his career, Hester could be a top of the rotation.
1. Blake Nicholson, sophomore.
2. Sean Murphy, RS So./Cam Riley, RS Sr.
Here's where it gets a little crazy: One linebacker position is obviously secured by DJ Lundy, but the other is still open. This competition is arguably the biggest battle on the defensive side of the ball going into the preseason, with a slew of candidates including redshirt senior Cam Riley, redshirt sophomore Shawn Murphy, redshirt sophomore Omar Graham Jr., sophomore Blake Nichelson and sophomore Justin Cryer.
Each player has their own strengths and weaknesses. I'm going to go with Nichelson as my wild card, as he drew rave reviews from defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and linebackers coach Randy Shannon in the spring. Nichelson is developing quickly and transformed his physique in the offseason.
If Nichelson does win the position, the young defender will likely be challenged by Sean Murphy and Cam Riley, both of whom are expected to play heavily in the rotation and potentially at the top of the roster.
1. DJ Randy, RS Sr.
2. Justin Cryer, sophomore/Omar Graham Jr., RS sophomore
Randy looks to be in top form heading into his final season at the collegiate level. He is in the best shape of his career and looking better than ever. Randy has shown great leadership skills since deciding to return to Florida State. He has fully integrated into the team and should be one of the top players on the defensive end.
Justin Cryer and Omar Graham Jr. will compete for a spot in the rotation. Cryer showed some promise during spring practice and continues to develop. Graham Jr. returns from an offseason injury after essentially serving as the No. 4 linebacker last year and has had his ups and downs, but still has room to grow.
1. Fentrell Cypress II, RS Sr.
2. Quindarius Jones, sophomore
Cypress II is comfortable with the Seminoles and preparing for his second year with the program, and looks to be better than many expected in 2023 and have overcome the learning curve that comes with playing in a new defensive scheme. Cypress II has become a surefire starter and a potential all-conference selection.
Jones' combination of length, athleticism, ball skills and competitive spirit make him one of my favorite players in the defensive backfield. If he continues on the right path, he has a bright future ahead of him. Jones should be in the rotation this fall.
1. Azalea Thomas Jr.
2. Father Jabril Rawls
Thomas' performance in spring practice made it clear he's poised to be Florida State's next star defensive back. He was in lockdown mode on the field, but on the sidelines he was a driving force for team chemistry and helping the younger players develop. This year is Thomas' “golden year.”
Behind him is a young roster of players, including redshirt freshman Jabrill Rawls, who is expected to be Thomas' primary backup. Rawls led FSU's defense in turnovers (five) during spring practice, and his instincts and athleticism should serve him well early on as he assumes a bigger role for the first time in his young career.
Other names to keep an eye on in this spot include Charles Lester III and Kai Bates.
1. Earl Little Jr., R.S. So.
2. Kevin Knowles, RS Sr./ Edwin Joseph, RS Fr.
The competition for the starting nickel spot was fierce between Earl Little Jr., who transferred from Alabama in the spring, and redshirt senior Greedy Vance. Little Jr. adapted quickly to the Seminoles, while Vance transferred to USC after a strong spring. The coaching staff believes Little Jr. is ready to bounce back as the talent they expected him to be coming out of high school.
Kevin Knowles is a veteran cornerback and safety at Florida State who struggled to make the transition to the back end last year and missed the spring with an injury but will likely return to cornerback. Joseph showed up in practice some time earlier this year while still recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of his freshman year.
1. Shayheim Brown, RS Jr.
2. Ashlynde Barker, R.S. So.
3. Kirkland, K.J., Fr. R.S.
Shyheim Brown has secured a starting role on the Florida State defense for the second straight year. He has continued to improve over the past three seasons and still has a lot to reach. Brown is a leader on the field and in the locker room. If he continues to develop, we could see him have a breakout season. He could be an All-Conference and All-American.
Barker is a reliable reserve who is not afraid to go after the ball. He is a hard worker who fits into the Florida State culture. Barker put on weight and looked even better in the spring. Kirkland was limited by injury last year but still has a lot of potential with his size and athleticism. His best football is yet to come.
1. Conrad Hussey, So/Davonte Brown, RS Sr.
2. Omarion Cooper Sr.
Going into the preseason, this position is difficult to predict at this point, with Conrad Hussey and Davonte Brown vying for the top spot. Hussey brings high potential to the defense if he plays to his potential, but Brown has more stamina and is less likely to make mistakes due to his vast experience. This battle will continue over the next few weeks. Hussey forced a lot of turnovers in spring practice, but he will need to be more consistent overall to prove he is worthy of the top spot. Brown was actually the defensive starter in the spring showcase.
Outside of that, Omarion Cooper, who is back in Tallahassee after one year at Colorado, could be a contributor to the program. Cooper was a safety before transferring from Florida State. He also has experience at outside cornerback, another position where the Seminoles need a veteran with a lot of young players in 2024.
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