3 redshirt freshmen who could make sizable contributions in 2024 for the Noles

DB KJ KIRKLAND

Even though Florida State is having to replace the likes of Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green, and Akeem Dent in their secondary. There are still talented pieces in the room such as Azareye'h Thomas, Earl Little Jr., Fentrell Cypress II, Shyheim Brown, and Conrad Hussey (among others) that get talked about often.

One player that I felt doesn't get discussed enough about is redshirt freshman defensive back KJ Kirkland. The Jacksonville, Florida native was a former four-star prospect in the 2023 class. The coaching staff recruited him as a safety at the time.

The versatile defensive back is cross-trained to play both cornerback and safety. There were media members that talked about Kirkland during last year's spring practice where they raved about him being such a talented piece for him being so young.

However, with football being such a physical sport, Kirkland suffered an injury and never got to witness what would have transpired to that momentum. The talented defender did get to play in five games last year so he was able to reap some benefits out of it.

I expect Kirkland to push for some opportunities given that Fuller likes to utilize a multitude of defensive backs in his defenses.