FSU football: Improved or not? Position rankings compared to 2021
By Kelvin Hunt
Linebackers Improved Over Than 2021
I’m excited about what this unit will bring to the table in 2022. It will be the best blend of talent, experience, and depth at this position since the 2015-16 seasons. Kalen DeLoach took a huge step forward last season and the addition of transfer Tatum Bethune from UCF helps upgrade the position.
FSU continued to struggle in coverage, specifically on third downs, and these two linebackers should be an upgrade in coverage.
Then there’s Amari Gainer and DJ Lundy, the latter of which has lost nearly 20 pounds and should provide a wealth of depth.
One thing I’m looking for from this group is more splash plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. DeLoach and Lundy combined for 11.5 tackles for a loss last season.
Amari Gainer had 5.5, and Tatum Bethune had 5.5, with the latter playing behind a suspect defensive line at UCF.
A better defensive line should free up gaps for these guys to make more plays. Then there are other guys like Stephen Dix Jr. and freshman Omar Graham Jr. that could get into the mix.