Defensive Players to Watch in FSU Spring Game

Part 2 of my series about this Saturday’s FSU Spring Game and which players to watch

Yesterday, I wrote an article highlighting which offensive players have something to prove or are worth keeping an eye on in this Saturday’s FSU Spring Football Game. This article will point out which defensive players can make a statement either as a first-year player, someone playing at a new position, or someone just trying to make a good impression with the hopes of getting more minutes next season.

Jan 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team Highlight safety Derwin James (6) runs on to the field during the introductions at the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Derwin James (Freshman Safety)

James is a true freshman from Auburndale. Florida, has made himself a major factor in the FSU starting defense discussion in his short time at Florida State. He came in as a highly-touted, 5-star defensive back prospect. He enrolled early as a .9981 on 24/7’s composite scale, the highest ranked safety in the nation, and third best player in the state of Florida in the 2015 recruiting class.

James’ early playing time was questionable coming in, due in large part to the depth that the Seminoles returned in the secondary with Jalen Ramsey, Tyler Hunter, Nate Andrews, Trey Marshall, and Lamarcus Brutus all coming back after playing last season. However, an injury to Hunter has allowed James to see some reps with the first-team defense and he has made the most of it, impressing coaches at practices. The spring game could be a chance for James to impress on a much larger scale.

Oct 30, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Trey Marshall (20) against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John

2. Trey Marshall (Sophomore Safety/Star)

Marshall, who saw occasional playing time last season due to injuries and fatigue, is primed to take over the star position that Jalen Ramsey thrived in last season for the upcoming season. The star position is a unique mixed position with some of the responsibilities of a linebacker and some of a defensive back, but it is classified as the fifth defensive back in FSU’s defensive alignment. Marshall competed in 6 games last season for Florida State. His best came against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship, in which he had 5 total tackles, his season high. His playing time should be greatly increased next season as he has been receiving the first-team star reps in spring practices.

Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (8) runs after making an interception during the second half against Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

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3. Jalen Ramsey (Junior Cornerback)

While playing at the star position last season, Ramsey emerged as the man who would be the anchor of the Florida State defense for the 2015-2016 season with many veterans departing for the draft this offseason. In the 2014-15 campaign, Ramsey played in every game, one of the few on a defense that dealt with many injuries, and had at least one tackle in each game.

In total, he racked up 81 total tackles (47 solo) and had a pair of interceptions, including the game winner against Miami, and an unbelievably high 12 pass deflections, many of which came while he was rushing the quarterback. This season, Ramsey will be a leader of this defense and is also dealing with playing at cornerback (which he did to begin FSU’s championship season of 2013) as Marshall has moved to the star position, a move made by Florida State coaches to compensate for the talent lost at corner after the loss of Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams to the NFL. The spring game will show just how ready Ramsey is for his former position and a bright spotlight.

Oct 30, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Tyrell Lyons (22) against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John

4. Tyrell Lyons (pictured) and Ro’Derrick Hoskins (Sophomore Linebackers)

Lyons and Hoskins are the only two current scholarship linebackers who are healthy enough to participate in practice. Terrance Smith, Delvin Purifoy, and Jacob Pugh are injured, as are Matthew Thomas and Reggie Northrup. Although Lyons and Hoskins would not be at the top of the depth chart if every linebacker were available, they can both show why they belong in the conversation with strong spring-game performances.

Aug 30, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) on the field during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Florida State beat Oklahoma State 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

5. DeMarcus Walker (Junior Defensive End)

Due to injuries or difficulties for Giorgio Newberry, Derrick Mitchell, and Nile Lawrence-Stample, all seniors, as well as juniors Chris Casher and Justin Shanks, DeMarcus Walker is the most tenured defensive end on this roster who is currently healthy.

With that comes the pressure of being the biggest pash rush threat on this Florida State team that struggled mightily with putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, as the entire defense mustered just 17 sacks all of last season. The spring game could be a good place to show off the newfound pressuring ability instilled by new FSU defensive line coach Brad Lawing, whom the Seminoles took from the same position at the University of Florida. He’s coached some great pass rushers, such as Dante Fowler Jr., a top-10 projected pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and previous top-overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.