FSU football: Takeaways from ‘Noles first 2023 spring scrimmage

Defensive Takeaways

The improvement along the FSU defensive line should make this defense much better than last year. It was a good defense last year while playing without starters at all or near 100 percent.

However, the new additions for added depth at defensive tackle and defense end will be difference-makers. The depth allows guys to play with maximum effort, which means no drop-off when substitutes come into the game.

That wasn’t the case when only one player like Fabien Lovett missed time last year. Coaches named Patrick Payton the most improved player since last year, which is great to hear.

Payton emerged as Jared Verse played hurt and seems to have taken that next step from a mental and physical standpoint.

The latter stands out to the coaches. Greedy Vance could be another important part of the defense in the absence of Kevin Knowles this spring. Vance seems to have more confidence in year two of the system and has picked up where he left off last year.

The nickel position was a weakness of the defense sometimes, and improvement there would be huge. It sounds like the linebackers made a lot of plays in Saturday’s scrimmage too. That was one thing I was hoping to hear with an improved defensive line.

The coaches are pushing Omar Graham Jr. hard in an effort to build more depth. The defensive secondary saw Omarion Cooper and the young freshmen KJ Kirkland and Quindarrius Jones flashing. If they continue to develop the young guys could see snaps this year.