DeMarcus Christmas will be the most experienced defensive lineman for the Noles in 2018
FSU football got an early gift when DeMarcus Christmas decided to return to the Noles for his senior season.
It’s the second year in a row a standout junior defensive lineman decided to skip the NFL and return for his senior year in Tallahassee.
The other player was Derrick Nnadi who was rewarded this spring by being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Much like Nnadi, Christmas is a player that causes a lot of havoc and goes overlooked by a lot of outlets. However, Athlon Sports has named him one of their 50 most underrated players for 2018.
"Christmas passed on the NFL for another season in Tallahassee, and his return to the interior of the line is huge for Florida State’s defense after the departure of Derrick Nnadi. Christmas has improved over the last three seasons, posting his best year in a Seminole uniform in 2017 by recording 4.5 tackles for a loss and 36 overall stops."
Thoughts
The biggest asset Christmas brings to the FSU defense is ability to clog up the middle and stop the run. It’s something FSU didn’t do as well as they should have under former defensive coordinator Charles Kelly.
The Noles gave up 3.78 rushing yards per carry last season, but new defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett’s defense is built to stop the run.
It’s more of an attacking style and Christmas’s ability to control the point of attack will be crucial along with Marvin Wilson and a deep rotation of experienced defensive tackles.
A FSU defensive line without Christmas would be talented but much more inexperienced. I think he’ll have an incredible senior season that will continue the trend of increased production we’ve seen each season in Tallahassee.
Next: Kelvin Benjamin Eyeing Strong 2018 Return With Buffalo Bills
Right now Christmas is projected to be a third round NFL Draft pick, but with great senior season it’s possible he could help his stock quite a bit.