FSU football: 5 players that could emerge during 2023 spring camp

By Kelvin Hunt | Mar 8, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, FL - DECEMBER 2: A general view of a Florida State Seminoles Helmet on the field before the game against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on December 2, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. Florida State defeated Louisiana Monroe 42 to 10. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

KJ Kirkland

I’ve been high on KJ Kirkland for a long time, and I had him as one of the few freshmen from the 2023 recruiting class that could make an impact early after he officially signed with the Noles.

I knew he was enrolling early, which was a plus, but his size and film made me a believer. He’s already larger than some older defensive backs on the roster at 6’1″ and 196 pounds.

He owns a 77″ wingspan, combined with his long speed, which will help cover a ton of ground at safety.

Kirkland comes from a family of sprinters and anchored a 4X400 meters team that won gold. If you’ve ever run track, you’ve got to be mentally and physically tough to be good at the 400.

That comes across in his film because he’s not afraid to lay the wood. FSU needs help at safety, and I think the coaches will push him hard to get as many reps as possible to get comfortable in the scheme.

He’s already standing out to the coaches and to some media that have been at practice.

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