FSU football: 3 defensive questions in 2023 spring camp
By Kelvin Hunt
Pass Rush/Defensive Line
This unit is the most important on this side of the ball. If the defensive line can’t stop the run and generate a pass rush? The rest of the defense is going to look terrible.
FSU had more sacks in 2022 than in 2021, but there was a drop-off in the total number of QB hurries. The departures of Jermaine Johnson and Keir Thomas were felt, and why the overall tackles for a loss decreased.
Jared Verse and Patrick Payton are proven commodities in the pass rush department. Who’s going to step up and join them? Can Derrick McLendon find another level of play in what’s likely his last season? Transfer Gilber Edmond? Can Byron Turner Jr. stay injury free and find some snaps? What about Dante Anderson?
Robert Cooper was the biggest loss at the defensive tackle position, but he might have been a reserve if he could have returned in 2023. The additions of Braden Fiske and Darrell Jackson are likely upgrades.
Malcolm Ray will miss all of spring, which will allow others like Daniel Lyons, Ayobami Tifase, and Bishop Thomas opportunities to earn more reps. What will the starters and rotations on this unit look like?
There isn’t a shortage of talent, and the drop-off once starters come out of the game shouldn’t be near as steep as the past few years.