FSU Season Preview: The Seminole Defense

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (15) tries to sack Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive End

At defensive end, Mario Edwards Jr. has emerged as the leader of a talented, big-bodied group. Fans get caught up in Edwards’ sack totals, but as many people around the program have noted — none more loudly than Jimbo Fisher — that doesn’t even begin to tell what a disruptive player Edwards has become. Edwards will admit he left a number of sacks on the field last season, but regardless of whether that total takes a big leap this Fall, look for Edwards name to be called early in the first round of the NFL Draft come next Spring.

Eddie Goldman, who can play both inside and outside, is another former five-star player who should feature prominently on this year’s line. While Goldman will likely play on the interior of the defensive line more this season, don’t be surprised to see him slide out to end from time to time too, depending on the package.

Also look for Chris Casher (who splits time between end and outside linebacker, much as Christian Jones did last year) to have a large impact as a pass-rusher. Casher is a big (6-4, 250), athletic prospect who is healthy and appears primed for big things this season.

Behind Casher, Edwards and Goldman, Desmond Hollin and DeMarcus Walker should offer key depth.