FSU football: Why FSU may not be pushing for defensive backs in the transfer portal

Florida State football and coaches players arrive for the fifth FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, March 23.

Patrick Surtain 1 Of 1
Florida State football and coaches players arrive for the fifth FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, March 23. Patrick Surtain 1 Of 1 | Ehsan Kassim/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Defensive Line

The FSU secondary was a hard unit to judge in 2024. FSU had experience at both cornerback and one of the safety positions, coming off the best secondary in the country in 2023.

FSU losing the experience and production of Akeem Dent after 2023 was noticeable. However, FSU had a two-pronged program with its secondary last year, and the blame isn't all theirs.

The FSU defensive line struggled to stop the run, especially against teams with mobile quarterbacks.

The other issue with the defensive line? They had trouble getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks all year. The amount of third and long conversions, because quarterbacks had all day to throw the ball, was maddening.

FSU coaches have put a lot of resources into rebuilding its defensive line. Darrell Jackson Jr. is returning for 2025, and the additions of James Williams, Jayson Jenkins, Deamontae Diggs, and DeAnte McCray to go with Daniel Lyons, Kelvin Sampson, and freshman Kevin Wynn is a deep group.

They've also put resources into building its linebacker unit, adding Elijah Herring, Stefon Thompson, and Caleb LaVallee to go with Omar Graham Jr., Blake Nichelson, and Juice Cryer.

Tony White's multiple 3-3-5 defense is usually excellent against the run and can generate pressure from multiple areas in predictable passing situations. Nebraska only faced 159 third downs in 13 games and allowed conversions 35.22 percent. For comparison, FSU's vaunted 2023 defense faced 198 third downs and allowed conversions at 28.79 percent.

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