FSU football: Top 5 substantial defensive improvements in 2021

By Kelvin Hunt | Dec 2, 2021

Sep 18, 2021; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Akeem Dent Sr. (27) listens to defensive coordinator Adam Fuller (left) as he talks with the defensive unit during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Pass Rush/Tackles For A Loss

One of the biggest holes in the defense was a lack of a pass rush in 2020. That aspect was one thing the staff addressed via the transfer portal with the addition of Jermaine Johnson and Keir Thomas.

Those two guys helped morph this defense into one of the best pass-rushing defenses in recent years. The Noles went from 10 sacks(No. 104 nationally) in 8 games in 2020 to 33 sacks (No. 33 nationally) in 12 games in 2021.

QB hurries are just as important as sacks at times, and those improved as well. The Noles had 18 QB hurries in 2020 compared to 44 QB hurries in 2021.

Jermaine Johnson and Keir Thomas had 27.5 sacks, 29.5 tackles for a loss, and 27 QB hurries combined, which was a significant amount of the production.

FSU went from 49 tackles for a loss in 2020 to 87 (12 games) in 2021, the most since the 2017 season(92 in 13 games). Credit much be given to those players. However, credit goes to the coaches for identifying the need and signing players capable of that type of production.

It’s something they’ll need to try and replicate for 2022, but they have proof of concept and should attract more players of higher quality to help fill those gaps.

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