FSU Football: Projecting the linebacker depth chart for 2020
By Sam Tschida
‘Mike’ Linebacker
This upcoming season, it looks like things could change. Rising senior Emmett Rice received the majority of starts last season at “Mike” and racked up 73 total tackles, 4.5 of which went for a loss. Rice had been hampered by injuries throughout his career, but when finally healthy, the former three-star developed nicely.
Rice has the football I.Q to read offenses and hits the hole quick enough to make the play. Above, we see Rice read the quarterback, not get sucked into the middle, and scrapes down to make the play. He reads and reacts quickly, making a nice play on the bulldozer known as Cade Carney.
Florida State Seminoles Football
Although Rice could be a fit at any of the linebacker spots, he seems to be the best fit for the “Mike” position, especially after his strong finish to 2019.
Behind Rice sits Leonard Warner, who also finished last season strong, and Cornel Jones the walk-on transfer from Purdue. Warner will most likely get reps at “Will” alongside Rice but should be the primary backup behind at “Mike”.
Warner finished last season with 57 total tackles and two sacks while earning a primary role towards the end of the year. The one limitation on Warner is his struggles when in coverage, but his run-stopping ability is one of the best on the team.
Jones also provides good depth behind Rice, although it is not official if he will be eligible in 2020. Behind Jones sits DeCalon Brooks, the son of Seminole legend Derrick Brooks who has had a mixed tenure in Tallahassee.
Brooks has been named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Week twice, but also struggled with his run fits, getting sucked into blocks at the line of scrimmage. If anything, Brooks provides experienced depth at “Mike” and will also probably see reps at the other two linebacking positions as well.
Along with Brooks is true freshman Stephen Dix Jr, who has been the recipient of a lot of praise from the coaching staff this offseason. Dix is a four-star out of Dr. Phillips, and while he may not see “starter” reps in 2020, he will push for playing time early on.