FSU football: Will ‘Noles defense find stability at safety position?

FSU football has been fortunate with injury luck thus far this season. However, players such as offensive linemen Maurice Smith and Robert Scott Jr., as well as safety Akeem Dent missed time.

Given that Darius Washington at center and Bless Harris at offensive tackle have performed admirably in relief of Smith and Scott Jr., safety Akeem Dent has been the injured player that has been missed the most.

Safety position cause for concern?

Fans understood that the safety position for the Seminoles was considered a concern, given the depth of the position. Do-it-all defender Jammie Robinson elected to enter the 2023 NFL Draft, which left FSU to insert redshirt senior Akeem Dent and redshirt sophomore Shyheim Brown (who elevated himself from reserve to starter) as the starting safeties.

Unfortunately, the Seminoles were not able to acquire the services of experienced transfer Jaylen Key, who took his talents to the Alabama Crimson Tide, this offseason.

As a result, the coaching staff had to rely on players such as junior Kevin Knowles II (converted from cornerback to safety this offseason), redshirt freshman Ashlynd Barker (JUCO), and true freshmen Conrad Hussey and KJ Kirkland.

Bounce back for Knowles II?

As it pertains to Knowles II, he has been the player who has taken over for the injured Dent. The Hollywood (FL) native has shown glimpses of being a capable ACC-caliber defender, especially during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

However, the talented defensive back had to be called upon quite a bit in the Seminoles’ 31-24 overtime victory against the Clemson Tigers, where he recorded eight total tackles.

It looked at times as though Knowles II was still learning to adjust to the safety position. Head football coach Mike Norvell always exemplifies the phrase response.

Analysis

How will Knowles II be able to adjust to the uncomfortableness of a new position change and respond to adversity? As he progresses throughout the season, I believe in his ability to respond in a massive way. Given that the Seminoles are currently 25.5-point home favorites against Virginia Tech, this should allow Knowles II to play care free as he acclimates to his new role within the defense.