FSU football: Explaining how FSU becomes elite for 2023 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Defense
As much as the defense improved over 2021, Adam Fuller continued to receive mostly unfair criticism in 2022.
Fuller had multiple starters either missing or playing at far less than 100 percent. However, one thing was apparent when Fabien Lovett wasn’t on the field.
Opposing offenses could run the ball seemingly at will, and the defense struggled to get stops without giving up points or field position because they didn’t have the talent or depth to compete against the better offenses. It’s why you saw freshman Daniel Lyons playing significant snaps.
It’s why you saw reserve players like Sydney Williams and Jarques McClellion playing at the end of the Florida game. FSU lacked the depth and talent on defense to be elite.
The coaches knew that and went to the transfer portal to address those needs. They have added the best defensive tackle and cornerback from the portal.
They will likely add another defensive end and safety. FSU will have significant depth on the defensive line, which should help the back end of the defense.
The run defense should be stout and opposing offenses shouldn’t be able to line up and run for first downs in short yardage situations. That should mean more offensive possessions for FSU and fewer points allowed by opposing offenses.