FSU Football: Top 5 Dark Horse Candidates for 2019

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Doak S. Campbell Stadium during the first half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Doak S. Campbell Stadium during the first half of an NCAA football game at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
fsu football
(Photo by Jeff Gammons/Getty Images) /

Leonard Warner III

Another linebacker that could see a significant increase in roles is Leonard Warner. Warner has actually switched more to a defensive end role with the departure of Xavier Peters leaving the program.

That was happening before Peters decided to transfer which makes the move even bigger now. Warner flashed at times last season and finished with 38 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

That’s not bad production in just four starts.

He didn’t have any sacks but did have four QB hurries which are two stats that should change fairly drastically in his new role.

He has the size at 6’4 225 to be effective against the run and has flashed in getting to the quarterback.

The Noles have almost no proven defensive ends with the departure of Brian Burns. Joshua Kaindoh and Janarius Robinson are thought to the starters but neither have done much in their time in Tallahassee.

If Warner is able to capitalize on his opportunities, he’s a name we could hear quite a bit in 2019.