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FSU football: Top 5 questions heading into 2023 spring camp

By Kelvin Hunt

LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles and team take the field before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Cardinal Stadium on September 16, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Norvell of the Florida State Seminoles and team take the field before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Cardinal Stadium on September 16, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Defensive End

FSU football has had one prominent defensive end to rush the passer the past two seasons.

Jermaine Johnson was ACC Player of the Year in 2021, and Jared Verse could have been at least a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft if he decided to enter the draft instead of returning to FSU for a second year.

Patrick Payton emerged last year as Verse got injured early in the season and won ACC Freshman of the Year honors. He returns to compliment Verse, but there isn’t much-proven production behind those two players.

Derrick McLendon is solid but isn’t going to consistently impact the game from that position. FSU coaches like Byron Turner Jr., but he’s dealt with injuries the whole time he’s been at FSU.

It’s why the coaching staff felt it was necessary to use the transfer portal to acquire South Carolina defensive end Gilber Edmonds. Edmonds was productive last year, logging nearly 600 snaps and figures to factor into the rotation early.

How much of an impact can he make? Will McLendon reach another level of play in what’s likely his final year? Can Byron Turner Jr. stay healthy and contribute?

Does FSU get anything out of young players like Aaron Hester and Dante Anderson after redshirting last season?

FSU needs at least 1-2 more players to emerge behind Verse, Payton, Edmonds, and McLendon in 2023. This spring camp could help someone gain traction toward that need.

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