FSU football: Linebacker Tatum Bethune announces his return for 2023

FSU football got more great news Thursday afternoon when starting linebacker Tatum Bethune announced he plans to return for the 2023 season.

The move wasn’t a total surprise, but Bethune was draft eligible and could have tested the waters after a productive 2022 season.

The move means FSU will return their top two linebackers, with Kalen DeLoach also returning for 2023. Bethune battled a shoulder injury for much of the year, but that didn’t stop his production.

He appeared in all 12 games, finishing second on the team with 76 tackles and 8.5 tackles for a loss. He also had 2.5 sacks, three passes broken up, and one QB hurry.

Bethune transferred from UCF after the 2021 season and made an immediate impact with his experience and leadership.

His play helped elevate others like DeLoach, DJ Lundy, and Brendan Gant. His return means the Noles will return one of the top linebacker duos in 2023, which will allow younger players like Omar Graham Jr. and others a chance to develop without carrying too much of the burden at such a young age.

The tandem of Bethune and DeLoach accounted for 133 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. DJ Lundy improved his game in pass and remained a valuable contributor, although he saw decreased reps from 2021.

The linebacker unit improved over 2021, but I can only imagine that unit getting better in 2023. It’ll be Bethune’s second year in the defense, and I expect DeLoach and Lundy to continue their natural progression.

Bethune’s return continues the trend of players that could leave coming back to FSU football for what could be their best season since 2014.

We’re only waiting on the word players like Fabien Lovett, Jared Verse, and Trey Benson before we’ll know how much firepower will return.