FSU Football: Defensive line breakdown from 2019 class

The 2019 recruiting cycle is now over, and FSU football has finished their defensive line class. Chop Chat’s Sam Tschida is here to break it down.

Since much of the focus this recruiting cycle for Seminole fans was on the offensive line, their counterparts on defense flew a little bit under the radar. Ever since the start of the Bobby Bowden era, FSU football has had a knack for recruiting and developing elite d-lineman.

From Ron Simmons to Peter Boulware to Timmy Jernigan, the defensive line has long been a position of strength in Tallahassee. Over the past few seasons, the Seminoles have sent plenty of players from the front four to the next level – and will likely do so again this year with two players, Brian Burns and Demarcus Christmas, likely to be picked in the NFL Draft.

Last season, Coach Taggart’s first recruiting class brought in a few blue-chip defensive linemen that saw playing time this fall. Four-star prospect Robert Cooper made an impact in the defensive line rotation, totaling ten tackles, while four-star Dennis Briggs also played well while retaining a redshirt. So, what is the outlook on this season’s defensive line class? Let’s break it down.

Tru Thompson

Starting in the interior, three-star defensive tackle Tru Thompson was one of the first overall commitments in the 2019 class. Coming out of Georgia powerhouse Grayson high school, Thompson committed to the Seminoles way back in March of 2017, after visiting Tallahassee for Junior Day. Although *just* a three-star prospect, he had offers from a lot of blue blood programs, including Oklahoma, Florida, and LSU.

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At 6’0 (probably more like 5’11), 320 pounds, Thompson isn’t the tallest prospect but definitely has the size to play at nose guard, which is head up on the center or on either gap beside him. Thompson doesn’t have as a high of a ceiling as a guy like Derek Nnadi, but he certainly is very similar in stature and ability.

Thompson is a great run stopper and excels in taking on double teams, opening up lanes for linebackers. While not a player who will get significant snaps immediately, Thompson is a good signing for depth and raises the floor of the interior d-line.

Malcom Ray

While Malcolm Ray is the lowest rated recruit in FSU’s entire signing class (not counting walk-ons), I think he was a really good signing for the ‘Noles. Ray is a three-star defensive tackle out of Miami Carol City, and a high school teammate of fellow Tribe19 signed Jarvis Brownlee.

Ray was originally a Louisville commit, before originally flipping to USF commit, and then finally flipped to Florida State on early signing day in December. He also had offers from FIU, Kentucky, and Wake Forest.

Ray is definitely a smaller defensive tackle prospect, clocking in at 6’1, 247 pounds according to 247 Sports. He is a very athletic lineman who has a lot of room to put on weight, and a few years in the program should see Ray develop nicely.

Ray might not ever be a star player for the Seminoles, but by the time he’s an upperclassman, he should be providing significant snaps.

Derrick McClendon

Moving to the outside, three-star prospect Derrick McClendon is another good depth signing for Willie Taggart’s staff. Another Georgia recruit, McClendon is a speedy edge rusher from Tucker High School and had offers from Alabama, Arkansas and NC State. Although ‘only’ a three-star, McClendon had offers from a number of blue blood’s, especially leading up to National Signing Day.

McClendon is another prospect who isn’t necessarily an elite talent, but he definitely really helps with depth. McClendon will most likely redshirt this season and will need a couple seasons in the weight room to bulk up from just 228 pounds. It is possible that the staff could move McClendon to outside linebacker, but he’s probably a little too slow for that. I expect McClendon to provided quality depth for the ’Noles in a few seasons once he develops.

Curtis Fann

The first elite talent of the defensive line group, Fann was an early commit for 2019, and despite worries from fans, he stuck with his commitment to the ‘Noles. Fann is yet another Georgia recruit and was one of the most vocal leaders of the 2019 class. An actual elite prospect, Fann also had offers from Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia, where he was considered a priority prospect.

With Fann, Florida State is getting a very good outside rusher with a good build and decent speed. At 6’2, 251, Fann has great size for a defensive end, but could also be moved to outside linebacker. Fann might see some snaps this year, but barring injury, it’s likely he’ll see minimal playing time and redshirt. Fann is a really well-developed prospect and has a lot of room to grow. Within two or three years, he should be a starter on the d-line and a good contributor.

Quashon Fuller

The most talented defensive lineman in the class, Quashon Fuller was a huge get for Taggart’s staff. Although Fuller committed to the Seminoles Fuller was a very early commit for FSU, verbally committing all the way back in February of 2017, before his junior year of high school.

Fuller is a big-time prospect and had an offer from Alabama, who pushed super hard for him close to National Signing Day. Out of Lehigh Senior High School in South Florida, Fuller stuck out among a bevy of blue-chip talent.

For Florida State, Fuller is probably the only signed defensive lineman who will receive significant snaps this fall. At 6’2, 270, Fuller can play either at defensive end or at the three-technique, giving him more opportunites to make an impact.

Don’t expect Fuller to have a freshman season like Josh Sweat or Marvin Wilson, but Fuller will provide depth his first year and then he should be a consistent starter afterwards. Barring injury of course, Fuller has the potential to be an all-conference type player for the ‘Noles.