LB JUSTIN CRYER
Defensive coordinator Tony White emphasized the importance of aggression and physicality for the Seminoles' defensive unit. That brought joy to the fan base's ears, since the defense had missed that mentality over the past couple of years.
Linebacker play has been lackluster for a while now, but Florida State added transfers Elijah Herring, Stefon Thompson, and Caleb LaVallee at the position this offseason.
Former Northwestern linebacker transfer Justin Cryer enrolled with the Wildcats, but he decided to back off his enrollment and take his talents to Tallahassee instead. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in the loss to North Carolina.
Cryer had eight tackles. We talked about how defensive back Earl Little Jr. brought the aggression. However, the Katy, Texas native also lived in the backfield, where the Crimson Tide was only able to muster 87 rushing yards in the game.
What made matters worse is that Alabama had 54 rushing yards on the opening drive of the game and then was shut down. Justin Cryer had a lot to do with that.