FSU football: Impact of Emmett Rice injury in spring camp

FSU football head coach Mike Norvell spoke with the media after Thursday’s practice about a variety of things.

One of the things addressed was the status of senior linebacker Emmett Rice. Rice decided to come back in 2021 since the 2020 season didn’t count toward eligibility.

The team’s second-leading tackler over the past two years and the team leader in tackles for loss in 2020 will be for an “extended period” according to Norvell.

Rice has dealt with injuries most of his early years at FSU before becoming a starter in 2019. Norvell wasn’t specific about how the injury happened or anything about the injury. Rumors floating around out there, but we’ll wait until it’s confirmed before speculating.

Injury Impact

• FSU loses its best and most experienced linebacker
• Stephen Dix Jr. and DJ Lundy will get a significant amount of reps
• Chance for others to emerge

No question, it’s a loss for the Noles as Rice was a player that plays with emotion and could vocally get others going on defense.

His absence will allow Stephan Dix Jr. and DJ Lundy more opportunities at practice which should help speed up their development. The Noles playing more Nickel defense, which requires only two linebackers helps somewhat as well.

Kalen DeLoach is a former blue-chip player with outstanding physical attributes who has never been able to put it together to get on the field for whatever reason. This injury could be a blessing in disguise for him as he should get more opportunities.

Parting Thoughts

If Rice misses the rest of spring and summer camp, it’ll be tough for him to be ready by the season opener. I feel terrible for Rice, but here’s to hoping the injury doesn’t cost him the season, and he’ll heal quickly and have a strong senior season.