Early Silver Linings for 2015 FSU Football

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; (Editor

Linebackers

The availability of the FSU linebacking corps seemed to change from week to week last year, but there’s reason to believe that the unit should see some increased stability this year, even with the impending transfer of E.J. Levenberry. For the first time, Florida State fans should get a full year of uber-talented LB Matthew Thomas (we’ll see if he takes yet another run at No. 6, now that Nick Waisome is gone).

Terrance Smith decided to return to the ‘Noles for his final season of eligibility, and it’s hard to believe he could have a more injury-plagued season than he did in 2014, when he was constantly dinged up. Jacob Pugh and Lorenzo Featherston got some nice burn as well, and each should be more familiar with their responsibilities on the edge come autumn.

Leading tackler Reggie Northrup recently underwent ACL surgery, but he could be back for the opener. If not, the Seminoles yesterday received a commitment from the nation’s top JUCO OLB prospect, Lorenzo Phillips, who originally committed to LSU. Expect him to challenge for playing time immediately.