FSU football: Top 15 important defensive players for 2023 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Fabien Lovett
Fabien Lovett’s injury in the LSU game likely cost FSU the three losses they had last year. Had FSU had Lovett in the starting lineup, I don’t think they would lose against Wake Forest, Clemson, or NC State.
His presence alone was huge, and just look at the difference between him in the lineup and without:
FSU's defense in '22...
— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) July 7, 2023
w/Fabien Lovett on field: 193 snaps, 3.37 yd/play, 3.18 yd/des run, 11.5% sack rate
w/o Lovett: 670 snaps, 5.27 yd/play, 4.82 yd/des run, 9.9% sack rate
Lovett is a difference-maker in the run game, throwing offensive linemen around like dolls and wreaking havoc.
All you have to do is turn on the LSU game to see his impact. However, the coaches took note of the depth weakness and added some reinforcements from the transfer portal.
This added depth means Lovett can go all out when he’s on the field and not have to worry about conserving energy because there would be a steep drop-off if he came out of the game.