FSU football: Major takeaways after week one 2023 fall camp
By Kelvin Hunt
Hire of Patrick Surtain Paying Off On The Field
The FSU defense had two issues last year. They lacked depth on the defensive line when Fabien Lovett wasn’t available. The other was the secondary’s inability to create turnovers and touchdowns allowed.
Although the FSU secondary was among the best in nearly every statistical category, they failed to when key one-on-one matchups. They allowed 18 passing touchdowns last year, which tied for No. 49 nationally. They only had eight interceptions, which tied for No. 92 nationally. Enter new defensive back’s coach Patrick Surtain.
One of the things he’s talked about the most since arriving at FSU was generating turnovers. There’s already a stark difference in how the FSU secondary does things, despite the loss of All-ACC safety Jammie Robinson.
They are playing with more confidence, more physicality and getting their hands on more passes. Plus, we must remember FSU improved with the additions of Keon Coleman and Jaheim Bell.
The young guys are already making plays, and moving Kevin Knowles to safety looks to have improved a supposed weakness at the position. That’s not to say the receivers aren’t winning their fair share of the battles, but not many teams will have the combo of size and speed FSU will have in 2023.