FSU football: Top 12 players developed in Mike Norvell era
By Kelvin Hunt
Kalen DeLoach-High School
Kalen Deloach is a prime example of how just because a player is highly ranked out of high school doesn't translate to early success. DeLoach was the No. 221 player nationally and the No. 13 linebacker. Part of the issue was poor coaching under Willie Taggart's staff and DeLoach's rawness coupled with the need to play him early. DeLoach struggled early, appearing in eight games in 2019 as a freshman and in all nine games in the 2020 COVID season. However, it wasn't until the 2021 season that he saw an enormous increase in production. DeLoach totaled 69 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception, and three QB hurries. He started all 13 games in 2022, totaling 65 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, three sacks, seven pass breakups, and five QB hurries. DeLoach saw his best season in his final year at FSU. He tallied 68 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, one interception, and one fumble recovery. He was a Second Team All-American and First Team All-ACC. He signed as an UDFA with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.