FSU Football: 2023 projected defensive depth chart

The first scrimmage has taken place and DE Derrick McLendon has entered the transfer portal. The depth chart is starting to take shape, so let’s dive right in.

2023 Projected Defensive Starters

Defensive End

Though the depth has taken a little hit after Derrick McLendon opted to enter the transfer portal this week. Defensive End is turning into a position of strength for the defense, with Jared Verse opting to return this season and Patrick Payton’s stock rising after the first scrimmage. Both men can get after the quarterback and wreak havoc for opposing offenses. Gilber Edmond, a transfer from South Carolina who had 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two sacks last season for the Gamecocks, brings more experience to the unit. Edmond is intriguing because he has the potential to be a starter, but he will definitely be in the rotation. Sophomore Byron Turner will get more reps with the departure of McLendon, behind him, and freshman Green and redshirt freshman Hester could see some action as well. Position Grade: A

Defensive Tackle

Thanks to the transfer portal this unit is three rotations deep. Coach Norvell hit home runs with Darrell Jackson, who came over from rival Miami and Braden Fiske. who came from Western Michigan. Jackson was probably Miami’s best D-lineman last season, and Fiske has played four seasons with the Broncos. Dennis Briggs and Fabien Lovett are returning starters and will clog the middle and allow the defensive ends to get after the quarterback. Behind them, you have Jackson and Fiske who will see the field a lot, and Joshua Farmer and Malcolm Ray also have the experience to produce. Position Grade: A

Linebacker

FSU plays mostly a nickel defense, so you’ll usually see two linebackers on the field, but Bethune and DeLoach are two good ones. They were the second and third leading tacklers, and will only get better. Bethune settled in nicely after coming over from UCF, and I expect him to be even better this season, and he may even lead the team in tackles this season with Jamie Robinson moving on to the NFL. DeLoach has improved each season and has settled in nicely as the starter opposite Bethune. DJ Lundy is my breakout candidate for this defense because he dropped about 15 pounds and looks jacked. Brendan Gant and Stephen Dix Jr. are solid depth guys and redshirt freshman Omar Graham will continue to learn and get better as he has potential. Position Grade: B

Secondary

This unit is the hardest to project, as many players could be starters, so depth is not a real concern. Fentrell Cypress coming to FSU via the portal from Virginia Tech is a huge help as he brings 16 games of experience to the position. Green, Jones, and Thomas are young, so getting a veteran allows the Noles to lock down an opposing star receiver. Azareye’h Thomas was a big recruiting prize for Norvell and the staff in 2022, and I think he will be a future star. At the safety position, you have blue chip recruits in Akeem Dent (four-star) and Travis Jay (four-star), both players haven’t really lived up to their potential coming out of high school. Dent has settled into the starting role and has Shyheim Brown at the other safety spot coming off a solid season. Omarion Cooper is having a good spring after transitioning from cornerback to safety. Kevin Knowles and Greedy Vance could battle for the nickel spot this summer. Knowles missing spring practice could give Vance the edge. Conrad Hussey could see the field some as a freshman, as he played at a top program in Florida and could contribute early. Position Grade: B+