FSU Football: Top defensive players for Noles entering 2017 season

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 15: Punter Dom Maggio #48 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons fumbles the ball in front of defensive end Brian Burns #99 of the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – DE Brian Burns (Sophomore – Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Florida State Seminoles Football /

Florida State Seminoles Football

During his time as the head coach of FSU football, Jimbo Fisher has had no problem playing his freshman early and often to get them ready to contribute during their career with the Seminoles. Not only did this five star recruit in the 2016 class play early, he dominated when on the field and seems ready to be considered among the elite before his time is done.

By the time the 2016 was over, Burns had the most sacks by a freshman at Florida State in 40 seasons, finishing with 9.5 for the season that included six over the final five games of the regular season for a defense that averaged almost four sacks a game, the best in the FBS. His total included one and a half sacks in a game against Florida and two and a half sacks to go along with a blocked punt against Syracuse.

Now, Burns will be paired on the end with Josh Sweat as he takes the spot left by DeMarcus Walker – who was just an All-American drafted in the second round. Needless to say, Burns is going to have to step his game up this coming year to full Walker’s cleats full time. With his size and strength, Burns has the potential to leave as one of the best ends in FSU football history.

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