FSU football: 5 most valuable defensive players in 2023

FSU football had one of the best defenses in the nation during the 2023 season and probably surpassed all expectations of most FSU fans. I wasn't surprised they were as good as they were because they fixed the holes that got exploited on a good defense last year. Admittedly, I didn't think they'd close the season at the level they did over the last few games. Aside from the touchdown gift by the referees in the Florida game, FSU didn't allow a touchdown on their last 38 possessions in the regular season. The defensive line played out of their mind, and the secondary did what they've been doing all season clamping opposing wide receivers. 

The FSU linebackers continued to do what they do, which is play at a much higher level than a lot of FSU talking heads would like to admit. Adam Fuller had this defense working like a well-oiled machine. There was great communication on all three levels, and he had a good feel for what opposing offenses were trying to do, especially in the second half. FSU dominated teams in the second half all season. The Noles were near the top of every statistical category that matters. Here are the five most valuable defensive players from 2023.