FSU Football: 5 players that need to step up in 2017

By Kelvin Hunt | Jun 7, 2017

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (80) leaps up to make a touchdown catch in front of Michigan Wolverines safety Dymonte Thomas (25) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 29, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; General view of Doak Campbell Stadium during the game between the Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Janarius Robinson/Jalen Wilkerson-DE

I’m kind of cheating here, but it’s unclear which player will win the position vacated by DeMarcus Walker.

Brian Burns will see time here, but likely on third down situations like last season where he created havoc for opposing quarterbacks off the edge.

The problem with Burns is he isn’t quite big enough to set the edge against the run. That’s where Robinson and Wilkerson come into play.

Burns checks in around 225 pounds with Robinson checking in at 250 pounds and Wilkerson checking in at 275 pounds.

That’s a lot of extra beef compared to Burns, and what good will it do to have Burns on the field if he can’t do what he does best which is pass rush.

I don’t expect both or either player to replace what DeMarcus Walker accomplished last season, but FSU will need production from this position no question.

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