WILDCARD: DB KJ KIRKLAND
I know that I was only supposed to do two breakout players (one on offense and one on defense), but I appreciate the love and support that everyone shows the site here at ChopChat. We are only eight days away from kickoff, so why not bring on some bonus content?
As it stands, the defensive scheme under new coordinator Tony White requires the Seminoles to possess three safeties. We already know that redshirt junior defensive back Earl Little Jr. would be one of them since Coach White mentioned Little Jr. as "Him".
However, there are two more spots open. I originally thought that redshirt senior Shyheim Brown would be someone who would be a guarantee after being a very productive player in the Garnet and Gold over the past two years.
However, Brown is now in a new scheme, and the coaching staff isn't discussing him as much. With that said, they are discussing redshirt sophomore defensive back KJ Kirkland. The Jacksonville native is showing why he belongs in the potential starting rotation. He has impressed thus far and looks to be an easy choice to build off 2024, where he recorded 46 tackles.