FSU football: Which positions need most focus after 2023 spring camp?

Defensive End

FSU football has had strong defensive end play over the past two seasons, with Jermaine Johnson, Kier Thomas, and Jared Verse leading the way. Verse returns to the Noles along with All-ACC Freshman of the Year Patrick Payton.

The Noles added defensive end Gilber Edmond from the transfer portal, which likely contributed to the departure of Derrick McLendon. That’s a trade-off FSU likely won since Edmond has two years of eligibility remaining and more upside.

Edmond flashed this spring but will need continued development, which only gives FSU three defensive ends with definitive experience and production.

I wrote about the potential replacements after McLendon’s departure here. Byron Turner Jr. and Dante Anderson flashed in the spring game and it’s possible the Noles could move Dennis Briggs from defensive tackle back to defensive end.

Briggs showed promise in 2021 at the position before an injury ended his season. I’d count him as the fourth proven defensive end since he played snaps last season and has experience. JUCO enrollee, Jaden Jones could factor into things if he recovers from the injury suffered last year.

However, an injury to Verse or Payton would be catastrophic, so FSU needs to develop options or reach back into the transfer portal.