FSU football: 3 reasons ‘Noles defense could be even better in 2022

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
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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Talent

Despite the loss of Johnson and Thomas, there’s still some talent on the roster compared to the majority of the teams on the schedule. Here’s a look at the composite recruiting rankings of players expected to contribute in 2022:

  • Robert Cooper (DT) All-ACC Honorable Mention
  • Amari Gainer (DE/LB) 4-star
  • Dennis Briggs Jr. (DT) 4-star
  • Kalen DeLoach (LB) 4-star
  • Tatum Bethune-Composite 3-star but the best LB on the team
  • Akeem Dent (DB) 4-star
  • Jarrian Jones (DB) 4-star
  • Omarion Cooper (DB) 4-star
  • Travis Jay (DB) 4-star
  • Jared Verse (DE) 4-star
  • Jammie Robinson-All-ACC First Team
  • Fabien Lovett- All-ACC Honorable Mention
  • Sam McCall 4-star
  • Azareye’h Thomas 4-star

All of these players have college experience, and doesn’t mention other three-star players who gained valuable experience last year like Kevin Knowles, Jarrett Jackson, Joshua Farmer, and Malcolm Ray.

That’s 14 blue-chip players and/or All-ACC selections, and some teams on the schedule don’t have that many blue-chip players on their entire roster. That’s a lot of talent.