5 FSU football defenders that impressed me in the season opener versus Alabama

Florida State's defense was on fire versus Alabama.
Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr. (0) looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr. (0) looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images
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DT DARRELL JACKSON JR.

Florida State's defense was physical at the point of attack and made the Crimson Tide's coaching staff change their philosophy in how they scheme it up for quarterback Ty Simpson. As we talked about earlier, they only had 87 rushing yards.

This was because of the underrated piece on defense in defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. The 6'5" and 337-pound defender took on multiple double teams, which allowed the Seminoles' other defensive linemen to tee off on the Alabama offense.

I was not sure if Jackson Jr. would go to the NFL, but this offseason, he decided to come back to Tallahassee. Jackson Jr. did not have his running mate/best friend Joshua Farmer, as he elected to play professional football and was drafted by the New England Patriots.

The defensive tackle showed that he was one of the better defenders on the Seminoles when the double teams finally disappeared, and he was able to get after the ball carriers of the Crimson Tide.