FSU defensive/special teams lineup projection versus Georgia Tech (via Taylor Devers)

Florida State defensive/special teams starting lineup projection versus Georgia Tech.

Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Patrick Payton (11) reacts against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half in the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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WILL LINEBACKERS

1. DJ Lundy

2. Justin Cryer

3. Shawn Murphy

MIKE LINEBACKERS

1. Cam Riley

2. Blake Nichelson

3. Omar Graham Jr.

Analysis: Florida State will have to replace its top two tacklers from a season ago in Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune. The linebacker position has always been a talking point for the Seminole fan base.

Some individuals got very worried this offseason as veteran DJ Lundy originally committed to Colorado. However, the Georgia native decided to come back to Tallahassee. Florida State added two linebackers in the transfer portal this offseason as well in Auburn's Cam Riley and Alabama's Shawn Murphy. It seems like Riley has taken a step forward even though he was a summer enrollee.

Let's not forget about pieces such as Justin Cryer, Omar Graham Jr., and Blake Nichelson who have also flashed. This position group was once thought to be a group that could be underwhelming but it looks like they will be fine in 2024.

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