FSU Football: What to know about new 3-4 defense scheme in 2019

All spring long we heard rumblings of Florida State “possibly” tinkering with some 3-4 concepts. These rumblings have grown exponentially louder.

Through the summer and into fall camp the debate has raged, and I believe it is time to address the obvious: FSU football, a program that has operated out of the 4-3 since the days of Mickey Andrews will in fact be running a 3-4 this season.

Firstly, the term 3-4, in football code, translates to 3 down linemen and 4 stand up linebackers. Easy stuff so far. Here’s where it may get a little tricky: instead of two defensive tackles and two defensive ends, with a middle and two outside linebackers; you will have a nose-guard (think Vince Wilfork here), two defensive ends, and two outside linebackers and two inside linebackers.

This means guys like Janarius Robinson and Josh Kaindoh are now considered linebackers and guys like Marvin Wilson and Cory Durden will now be considered defensive ends. Robert Cooper will presumably assume the role of nose guard (Cooper dropped 30 pounds this off-season and is still well over 300 pounds, again think Wilfork).

While the thought of big Marvin Wilson coming around the edge is absolutely horrifying, the defensive end in the 3-4 is more of a defensive tackle (Usually lined up over the offensive tackle or a shade inside).

This makes sense from a personnel perspective in a number of ways:

• FSU currently has three elite interior defensive lineman (Marvin Wilson, Cory Durden and Robert Cooper) and all three could start most anywhere else in the country. This formation allows all three to be on the field at once, scary thoughts.
• With the loss of first round pick Brian Burns and his production, FSU lacks a true proven pass rusher on the outside. A 3-4 scheme allows for a wide variety of blitz concepts from everyone in the box, so it’s a bit easier to scheme up a pass-rush compared to the traditional 4-3 look. I expect the ‘Noles to platoon the edge rush position with the likes of Josh Kaindoh, Janarius Robinson, Amari Gainer, Dennis Briggs and Leonard Warner III.

I fully expect the starting line to be some combination of a healthy Marvin Wilson, Cory Durden and big Robert Cooper. In a perfect world Cooper would get the nod at nose guard allowing Marvin Wilson and Cory Durden to get a few less double teams at the defensive end positions.

I really like the idea of these three being on the field together as all three players demand double team attention from the opposing offensive line. In theory, this will free up lanes for the middle linebackers to make plays.

Florida State Seminoles Football

At the two Middle Linebacker positions (Mike and Money) I expect Dontavious Jackson to be a fixture at the Mike all season long with the Money position kind of up for grabs depending on performance and in game situations. Decalon Brooks, Jaiden Lars-Woodbey and Emmet Rice are obvious candidates for this role.

True freshmen Jaleel McRae and Kalen DeLoach could also see some time in this role and also backing up Jackson at the Mike. I also believe we could see Hamsah Nasrildeen get some reps in the middle, especially on passing downs and against mobile quarterbacks.

The Outside Linebacker/Edge Rusher positions is where you will probably see the most variety. I expect Josh Kaindoh and Janarius Robinson to get the lion’s share of the reps in pass-rush situations, as they are the most experienced edge rushers on the team. I really like the idea of these guys standing up on the edge and not having their hand in the ground.

Both players are more speed players than power, the 3-4 scheme sets up well for these two. I also don’t mind these two dropping back in coverage every now and then. If this new scheme is to work to maximum efficiency, they both will be asked to drop in coverage at least a few times per game and I think both players are athletic enough to do this.

Amari Gainer, Leonard Warner and Dennis Briggs will all get a crack at the edge position(s). Gainer and Warner are both long and rangy defenders and would fit this roll well if they prove capable. Also, don’t be surprised to see Hamsah Nasrildeen down by the line of scrimmage at some point. I really like the things being said about Amari Gainer and Leonard Warner III. Those two really fit this scheme well and will be fighting for playing time all season long by the looks of it.

Right now, everything is mostly speculation until we see how this new defense will actually look come August 31st. I don’t believe FSU will completely abandon a 4 man front. In fact I think the nickel package will probably look incredibly similar to last season.

But given the current personnel on defense, it makes more than enough sense to implement more 3-4 concepts. And, if coached and executed correctly, I think this new look defense could really turn some heads. Should be interesting to monitor.