FSU Football: Projecting the defensive end depth for 2020

‘Fox’ Defensive End

Currently, Florida State’s DE position is in a bit of disarray. The ‘Noles tried to recruit to a 3-4 scheme last recruiting cycle and have not signed that many ‘true’ defensive ends since 2017. The ‘Noles do have two very experienced players coming back for the 2020 season.

As mentioned above, both Janarius Robinson and Joshua Kaindoh are returning for their fourth year on campus. Robinson and Kaindoh fit the profile of Fuller’s preferred standing ‘Fox’ defensive end. It will be interesting to see if Fuller decides to start Kaindoh and Robinson at opposite defensive ends, or they switch in and out at the ‘Fox’ position.

The most natural fit would most likely be Robinson, who sets a strong edge presence and had a great year stopping the run in 2019. He is the projected starter at the ‘Fox’ end, but it would not be surprising to see the defense experiment with Kaindoh at the position as well.

The depth behind Robinson appears a bit murky with a whole lot of fresh faces that should receive playing time. Jarrett Jackson, a transfer from Louisville who sat out last season after receiving playing time in 2018. Jackson is 6’6 and has the length that would make him a dangerous pass rusher and run stopper if he develops well.

Dennis Briggs recorded 28 tackles last season, 3.5 of which were for a loss, in just 10 games of play. Briggs is the most likely candidate to back up Robinson and should receive more playing time. Curtis Fann and Quashon Fuller, both of whom redshirted last season after appearing in two games, could also see reps here. Finally, I do think Amari Gainer may see action at the ‘Fox’ position, but he is listed as a linebacker according to FSU’s website.