FSU football: 3 defensive things to look for in 2021 spring game

Pass Rush

I know when I talk pass rush, most folks will assume I mean Jermaine Johnson looking like Brian Burns reincarnated in the garnet and gold.

That would be awesome if it’s the case, and I hope he does flash in a way that gives hope he’ll be a difference-maker for the Noles in 2021.

However, I hope someone on the opposite side of him shows something productive. Players like Derrick McClendon, Quashon Fuller, and Josh Griffis will have a chance to show what they can do.

I also want to see what the defensive tackles look like when it comes to pass rush. Robert Cooper, Fabien Lovett, and Dennis Briggs Jr. need to be impact players at this position in 2021.

Some of the most effective pass rush comes from up the middle, which collapses the QB pocket and doesn’t allow a quarterback room to step up when pressure comes from the outside.

That goes back to the defensive line’s ability to move the line of scrimmage and get in the backfield.

These things give the FSU secondary a better chance at defending the pass because they don’t have to defend as long.

Parting Thoughts

I believe the FSU offense will be better than last year. The key to the success of the 2021 team will be the FSU defense. It was supposed to be a strength of the team in 2020, so let’s hope that’s the case in 2021.