Size
When I think about one of the major differences between the 2023 and 2024 teams. Physicality, or lack thereof, is one of the first things that come to mind. The 2024 team played soft.
The offensive line got bullied and could never consistently move defensive linemen or hold up in pass protection. FSU wide receivers were small and not strong enough to hold blocks.
FSU had zero pass rush from its defensive ends and often got swallowed up by offensive tackles and guards. FSU skill players often went down on first contact and rarely broke tackles. FSU linebackers struggled to shed blocks and knock ball carriers backward. FSU safeties lacked physicality in the run game.
FSU has a few remaining positions to fill, but the size attained from the nine additions is noticeable. The two offensive line commits are listed as 6'5" and 305+ pounds. The two EDGE players are 6'4" 283 and 6'5" 250 pounds. The linebacker commit is 6'1" 240. The two tight ends fit needs. Markeston Douglas is 6'5" 275 pounds and Randy Pittman is 6'2" 230 pounds.
The prized Duce Robinson is 6'6" and 220 pounds. Those are massive upgrades over what left the program via the portal. There is a clear message that FSU needed to get bigger at the point of attack and in the run-blocking game.