Fall Camp Preview: Five FSU Camp Battles to Watch

Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles linebacker Telvin Smith (22) and defensive tackle Nile Lawrence-Stample (99) tackle Florida Gators running back Kelvin Taylor (21) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Tackle

Despite all the attention Tim Jernigan got, FSU lost more than just him from its defensive interior last year. Jernigan was a beast at the nose, but Jacobbi McDaniel and Demonte McAllister were also quality defensive tackles — all three are now in the NFL.

That means FSU is going to need to find players to step up inside. The early depth chart has Nile Lawrence-Stample at the nose and Eddie Goldman at defensive tackle, but as we’ve said repeatedly, a 4-3 depth chart is of extremely limited value with this kind of defense. This is a package-based system which means FSU may only use three down linemen at times, four at others, and not always in traditional ways.

Goldman, who came in along with Mario Edwards as five-star defensive linemen, could be poised for a big season. He started 13 games last year at end but is more natural inside and could be instrumental in providing pressure from the middle this season. Lawrence-Stample, by contrast, is more of a space-eater. He played well next to Jernigan last season and will be a key component of FSU’s run defense this year.

Beyond Goldman and Lawrence-Stample, Justin Shanks, Keith Bryant, Derrick Mitchell and DeMarcus Christmas could all compete for playing time as well. Christmas, in particular, is an intriguing prospect. He was a four-star recruit this past year, but Fisher took time to single out Christmas was one of the most underrated players in the 2014 class. If he comes as advertised, he could have an early impact.