FSU Football: Projecting the linebacker depth chart for 2020

Sam Tschida continues his series of projecting the FSU football 2020 depth charts, moving on to the line-backing corps.

Last week we broke down the defensive line depth at both the interior and edge positions. While looking at what the defensive line should look like for the upcoming season, I gave an overview of Adam Fuller’s new 4-3 defensive scheme, its success at Memphis and Marshall, and where the current players on FSU’s roster fit. You can read that here.

This week, let’s take a look at what the linebacker position could look like in 2020 and the depth at the second level. But first, it’s important to look at the linebacking positions themselves and how coach Fuller plans to use them.

The basic defensive set in a 4-3 contains three linebackers, a middle or “Mike,” strong-side or “Sam,” and weakside or “Will.” The names change based on the coaching staff and scheme, and the roles normally differ.

With Fuller’s scheme, there are typically two “true” linebackers, and one hybrid safety/backer spot.

The “Mike” linebacker remains in the middle, while the “Will” sticks on the weak side (the side with fewer players or no tight end).

The third linebacker, the “Sam,” is the one that changes. Instead of a true linebacker, this position is the hybrid spot, and it’s usually the most versatile position on the defense. ‘Sam’ is also referred to as the “Star” or “Stud” backer in this case.

FSU fans have seen this hybrid before. Derwin James played this role at moments during his career, as did Jalen Ramsey. FSU put Jaiden Lars-Woodbey in this spot at times during his freshman season where he showed a lot of promise.