FSU football: Five players who could break out in 2023

No. 2 LB DJ Lundy

FSU football reaped the benefits of having productive linebacker production in 2022. Newly acquired UCF transfer Tatum Bethune was second on the team in total tackles (84), whereas veteran Kalen DeLoach was third (63). First-year linebackers coach Randy Shannon’s unit proved they had one of the best in the conference.

Not to mention Shannon acquired three talented linebacker prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle with four-star Blake Nichelson, three-star DeMarco Ward, and three-star Dylan Brown-Turner.

While it is fantastic to witness FSU luring young prospects into the program, it still does not answer the bigger question: How will the Seminoles replace redshirt seniors Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach when they depart after 2023?

Will Coach Shannon look for a veteran option in the transfer portal as he did when he acquired Tatum Bethune? Or can someone in the current rotation be trusted to take a step forward? The leader in the linebacker room will be redshirt junior DJ Lundy. The former high school wrestling champion had a productive 2022 season where he combined for 48 total tackles (5 tackles for loss) with 1.5 sacks. Lundy has dropped his weight from 255 pounds to 236.

I believe Lundy will have opportunities to be successful in 2023 for the Seminoles. FSU should be in contests where they win by 14+ points, which could give him a better statistical stat line than he had from a season ago. Bethune and DeLoach will pass the torch to the next man up at linebacker.