FSU FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER
Florida State football is now eight Saturdays away from the Seminoles' 2025 season opener versus Alabama. The game will be televised Saturday, August 30th, on ABC at 3:30 PM EST in the friendly confines of Doak Campbell Stadium.
Even though College Gameday won't be in Tallahassee for the game (Lee Corso's family thought it was logical for his final appearance on the show to be there instead), the pressure is still at an all-time high for head football coach Mike Norvell, who will be entering his sixth season with the Seminoles.
DEANTE MCCRAY'S IMPACT
In honor of it being eight weeks away, I decided to discuss someone on the roster who wears the No. 8 jersey number. Redshirt junior defensive end Deante McCray is someone who isn't often discussed.
Former Nebraska pass rusher transfer James Williams is talked about by the fan base more because he is reunited with defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, and is very familiar with the multiple 3-3-5 defensive scheme.
McCray was productive during his time with Western Kentucky, where he recorded 59 tackles (four for loss) and 2.5 sacks. While the sacks were considered low, the Jacksonville native always seemed to be in the backfield applying pressure.
The former Hilltopper reminds me a bit of former Florida State defensive end Keir Thomas, who is listed as a similar build with Thomas at 6'4" and 274 pounds. Plus, McCray showed his ability to play defensive tackle and defensive end this past season.
Overall, the depth at the defensive end spot will be tested for Florida State as they look to get after the opposing quarterbacks early and often. The rotation should feature the three transfers: James Williams, Deante McCray, and Deamontae Diggs. Then the coaching staff will figure who will be the fourth piece there.