FSU football: Top 3 remaining 2023 needs from transfer portal
By Kelvin Hunt
Linebacker
I’m excited Tatum Bethune plans to return for the 2023 season because he brings experience and was arguably FSU’s best linebacker when healthy.
He played with a banged-up shoulder much of the season, and that tested FSU’s depth, with former safety moved to linebacker Brendan Gant, logging snaps. Gant wasn’t terrible, but there was a noticeable drop-off when the starting linebackers were out of the game.
FSU could lose Bethune and Kalen DeLoach after 2023 and don’t have much experience behind them aside from DJ Lundy and Gant. Omar Graham Jr. will likely see snaps after redshirting last season.
Nichelson and Ward likely won’t see the field much as true freshmen. I think it would be worth using a scholarship on an experienced player with two years of eligibility left.
He would provide depth and experience while likely serving as a stopgap in 2024 until Nichelson and Ward were ready to contribute meaningful snaps.
Some folks may value taking another offensive lineman here, but I think FSU has enough bodies with some young guys on the roster that need to show and prove or exit the program.