Fall Camp Preview: Five FSU Camp Battles to Watch

Terrance Smith celebrates with fans at Doak Campbell Stadium following a win over NC State. Photo Credit- Stephen M. Dowell

Linebacker

Florida State has a log-jam at linebacker right now. Telvin Smith is gone. Christian Jones (who split time at the Sam and at end) is gone. The only returning starter is Terrance Smith. Beyond Smith, Ukeme Eligwe, Chris Casher, Matthew Thomas, Reggie Northrup and EJ Levenberry are all in the mix.

Casher is amongst the most intriguing of the prospects. He came in as an end, but at 6-4 250, could fill Jones’ role from last year splitting time between strong-side ‘backer and end. Matthew Thomas might have the highest ceiling of the bunch. The former five-star recruit played last year but was able to save a year of eligibility because he was injured early enough to take a redshirt. Thomas has elite speed for a linebacker and has added muscle to his frame this offseason. He should push for playing time outside.

Northrup and Levenberry are likely to compete for playing time in the middle, though if nobody steps up Terrance Smith is also an option to move back inside where he played last year. Smith, who will be a redshirt junior this year, is the most seasoned player in the group and seemed to embrace his role as a leader this past Spring.

There’s even a trio of freshmen — Kain Daub, Jacob Pugh and Delvin Purifoy — that could push for playing time if someone else falters.