FSU Football: Top 5 most important defensive players for 2021

Fabian Lovett

The trenches were terrible last year because key performers like Cory Durden and Marvin Wilson didn’t show up.

This year has to be different. The first defensive tackle unit, Lovett and Cooper have to do well. Cooper slimmed up and looked good in spring. However, the undoubted star of spring was Lovett.

He is a first off the bus body type and did well as he saw his timeshare increase last season. He was able to total a sack, which was elusive to the rest of the defensive line. During the spring, he built on that and I think I wrote about him every week I did my recap.

I would also be remiss if I also didn’t mention Dennis Briggs and his improvement. He could play anywhere along the defensive line and could see that versatility utilized.

Tru Thompson also completely changed his body to put himself in a position to contribute. Jarrett Jackson is a forgotten name in that room who needs to have a breakout this year or we’ll likely never see him in action.

Joshua Farmer would be the next name to takeover when given an opportunity. However, the most talented name in the defensive tackle group is Lovett, and their success hinges on him.

Cooper’s specialty is as a power rusher and run blocker and he is a one-trick pony in that way, so how will Lovett play off of his expected inside partner.

Lovett will have to find a way to wreak havoc inside with a variety of finesse and power moves to create space for himself and his rushing partners.

His most intriguing partnership is with Briggs, as both flashed at times last season.

Since all three are poised to contribute the most in the trenches, we could see them work off one another and improve the defensive performance from the trenches.