FSU football: What’s next after losing out on Jaylen Key?

FSU football will now have to turn in a different direction to acquire a safety prospect for their roster after UAB redshirt senior transfer Jaylen Key chose to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Unfortunately, Key was a highly productive safety with the Blazers. He had 60 total tackles and three interceptions during the 2022 season. It was disappointing that the coaching staff couldn’t close the deal with him having ties to the Tallahassee area.

However, life goes on, and the Seminoles have their sights set on a new target (who we previously mentioned here): Ashlynd Barker.

Barker is a Class of 2023 JUCO safety prospect from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He lists as 6’3″, 200 pounds.

The safety had gone under the radar in the JUCO ranks after redshirting this past season. As a result, Barker can play four seasons in four years at the university of his choosing. He previously played at Northside High School in Columbus, Georgia.

Florida State scheduled an official visit this weekend (even before Key decided to commit to Alabama). However, the Seminoles have some competition for the talented defensive back as he officially visits Oregon State next weekend.

FSU was open to bringing in both Key and Barker to their defense given that they have five available scholarship allotments. Plus, they need depth. For reference, Key has one year of eligibility remaining, while Barker has four.

It is understandable that Seminole fans are frustrated with not being able to acquire the UAB standout transfer. But the good news is that veteran Akeem Dent (53 tackles) and quality reserve/potential starter Shyheim Brown (36 tackles) returns to the team in 2023.

Louisiana senior safety Kam Pedescleaux is available in the transfer portal, who had 74 total tackles from a season ago. However, it is unknown how much interest there will be considering that Pedescleaux is only 5’8″, 196 pounds, and the Seminoles typically prefer lankier safeties.

Florida State needs to get one of its younger options to step up in an effective manner next season. Four-star signees Conrad Hussey and Edwin Joseph will be arriving this summer. The coaching staff is also excited about the development of former three-star KJ Kirkland before he suffered a minor injury.

Let’s not forget that FSU’s defensive line will be the strength of this defense (and maybe even the whole team) where they will get after the opposing quarterback at an elevated rate. This factor might be enough to help the younger safeties in the position room.

Plus the Seminoles have quality cornerbacks headlined by veteran Renardo Green and highly-touted transfer Fentrell Cypress II. Personally, I believe that FSU will be just fine at the safety position.