FSU football: 5 huge questions going into 2024 spring camp
By Kelvin Hunt
Which FSU linebackers Will Emerge From Current Roster?
The linebacker position might be the spot on the team with the biggest question marks. The Noles lost two-year starters Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune to the NFL and only returned one player (DJ Lundy) with significant experience in Adam Fuller's defense. Redshirt sophomore Omar Graham Jr. played last season but was hurt much of the year, and sophomore Blake Nichelson wasn't an early enrollee and wasn't ready to contribute as fast as some media folks thought because the defense he played in high school was more make a play than playing an assignment to fill gaps, etc.
Sophomore Justin Cryer showed some flashes after transferring from Northwestern, and FSU has many other young options like DeMarco Ward and freshmen Jayden Parrish and Timir Hickman-Collins, who enrolled this spring. Alabama transfer Shawn Murphy enrolled this spring, hoping to crack the starting lineup. The former blue-chip recruit has the physical tools, but how quickly can he grasp the defense? Between Lundy, Graham, Murphy, and Cryer, FSU must create depth at the position, with hopes the other guys develop or surprise and enter the conversation to compete. Spring camp should provide some answers regarding whether the Noles need to find another experienced linebacker in the portal before summer or not.