FSU football: Top needs from the transfer portal for 2023 class
By Kelvin Hunt
Linebackers
The Tatum Bethune addition from the transfer portal last recruiting cycle made the linebacker unit the best FSU has seen since 2015.
The duo of Bethune and Kalen Deloach helped improve a defense that lost a ton from its defensive line with the departures of Keir Thomas and Jermaine Johnson. They also helped clean up some coverage issues we saw in the secondary since they were better in space this season.
However, Bethune and DeLoach played banged up for most of the season. DJ Lundy showed some improvement, and Brendan Gant emerged to get some snaps and played better than expected.
I expect Bethune and DeLoach to return next year, and the Noles have some talented guys incoming, but they still need to continue raising the floor in that room.
The good news is FSU runs a ton of 4-2-5 and only requires two linebackers most of the time. I’d bring in at least one experienced linebacker with multiple years of experience remaining.
That provides depth and stability, with FSU likely losing both guys after the 2023 season.