FSU football: Grading our top 10 bold predictions for 2021 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Jermaine Johnson will have 7+ sacks
"FSU football hasn’t had production from the defensive end position since Brian Burns left for the NFL after the 2018 season. The defensive ends didn’t record a single sack last year, but I think that could change with Jermaine Johnson in 2021. Johnson had four sacks with Georgia last season and several QB pressures in a limited number of snaps. Johnson will play many snaps for the Noles and will likely not come off the field much since there isn’t much depth at the position. Unlike the defensive ends last year, Johnson has a great burst off the line of scrimmage and an array of pass rush moves. Not to mention, he’ll have some great opportunities against offensive lines that were not great last year. He’ll face a freshmen offense tackle in game one against Notre Dame, and that should be an advantage for Johnson. If Jermaine Johnson gets anywhere near seven or more sacks, I think it’s safe to say Adam Fuller’s defense will be improved compared to last year."
Well, I called this one to a tee. Johnson finished the season with 12 sacks and won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. The FSU football defense improved compared to 2020 as well, with Johnson finishing with 17.5 tackles for a loss. I figured the combination of playing a ton of snaps and teams looking to pass a ton as they have in the past couple of years would give him enough opportunities to get it done.