FSU football: Top 15 important defensive players for 2023 season

Shyheim Brown

I place more value on the front seven than the secondary and probably more on the cornerbacks than safeties going into this season.

The additions on the defensive line and experience returning at linebacker likely means less production for the safeties, considering a safety led the team in tackles the past two seasons.

Enter Shyheim Brown, who had some nice moments as a redshirt freshman last season, including the blocked extra point against LSU to win the game.

Brown is a player the coaching staff hopes to take the next step in his development. He has all the physical tools, but needs to put it together as he steps into a starting role.

I expect the FSU defense to have opposing offenses in predictable downs more often than not, so a player like Brown will need to make plays if the pass rush doesn’t get home.