FSU football: 3 impact players for the Seminoles' home contest versus Boston College

LB BLAKE NICHELSON

Florida State's linebacking core was largely unproven coming into the year after veterans Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune (who were the top two tacklers in 2023) graduated and went to the NFL.

The Seminoles were able to get back DJ Lundy after he initially transferred to Colorado this offseason. Florida State also added Auburn's Cam Riley and Alabama's Shawn Murphy via the transfer portal. The coaching staff raved about Riley's abilities during fall camp.

However, as Georgia Tech's rushing attack continued to destroy the Seminoles' defense. The linebacker was somewhat slow in reacting to the misdirection of the running game. I know that fans were critical of the play of redshirt sophomore Omar Graham Jr. Personally, I do not get into specifics of players and bashing them. I know to witness them all do wonderful things.

With that being said, I expect the linebackers to play better this week in large part because I think that sophomore Blake Nichelson has a good performance. He showcased flashes of being able to come up and stop the run. With Boston College's rushing attack being 13th in the FBS last year, the defense will have to focus on the run. Nichelson can be the x-factor to neutralize it.