FSU football: 3 defensive questions in 2023 spring camp
By Kelvin Hunt
Linebacker Depth
The Noles return their top three options at linebackers in Tatum Bethune, Kalen DeLoach, and DJ Lundy. These three guys accounted for 42 percent of all tackles last year, and 26 percent of all tackles for a loss.
All three guys have some limitations. Bethune played hurt most of the year with a bum shoulder. DeLoach hesitates to come downhill against the run, and Lundy, although improved, is still a liability in coverage.
FSU football will likely lose Bethune and DeLoach after this season, which begs to question how depth will develop.
Brendan Gant made strides and played meaningful snaps after transitioning from safety last year. Omar Graham Jr. was the only prep linebacker signed in the 2022 recruiting cycle who redshirted last season.
Four-star signee Blake Nichelson won’t arrive until the summer, and 2023 three-star signee DeMarco Ward enrolled this spring.
Stephen Dix Jr., who saw his snaps decrease significantly in 2021 after playing a ton as a freshman, missed all of 2022 with an injury.
Can he become a factor? It’ll be crucial for some of these guys behind the top three to earn reps and build depth for the future.