Fall Camp Preview: Five players looking to step up this year

Chris Casher rushes the edge against Wake Forest. Photo Credit- Travis Register

Chris Casher, Rs SO, DE/SLB

Chris Casher has had a tumultuous few years. A transfer between Mobile, AL high schools before his senior year resulted in Casher losing his final season of eligibility. Then as a freshman at Florida State, a knee injury forced him to take a redshirt. Not to mention, as Jameis Winston’s roommate Casher has had to deal with more than his fair share of unwanted press lately.

Last season was Casher’s first substantial action in over two years. He recorded 25 tackles (including a career-high 10 against Bethune-Cookman), 10 tackles for loss and two sacks — he even returned a fumble 31 yards for a touchdown — in reserve duty in 2013.

This year, Casher looks set to play a big role for the Florida State defense. If the depth chart is any indication, Casher will likely be splitting time at end and strong-side linebacker (much as Christian Jones did the year before). The decision makes sense, Florida State cross-trains all of its athletes at multiple positions and Casher has the athletic gifts to play standing up or with his hand on the ground. At 6-4, 250, Casher has a nice combination of size, speed and agility. He should be able to set the edge when needed, he’s quick enough to give blockers fits and he can drop into coverage in some packages. It’s that versatility which could keep Casher on the field in most situations this year.