FSU football: Top 15 most important defensive players for 2024 season

No. 13 Conrad Hussey-CB

Conrad Hussey coming in at No. 13 is more of a projection of his value by the time the season finishes a few months from now. FSU lost Akeem Dent to the NFL, a multiple-year starter who was a vital component of the defense last year. Dent suffered an injury in the second game and missed several games, which exposed a weakness. That void will be filled by either Devontae Brown or Hussey. Brown may start the season there, but I'm banking on Hussey to overtake him and become more of an impact player.

Hussey got fast-tracked as a freshman last season, even though he wasn't an early enrollee. He flashed at times but also made freshmen mistakes. If he becomes the starter, his level of play will greatly impact how well the defense plays, particularly in the run game. Akeem Dent was excellent at coming downhill against the run and making tackles in space, much like Jammie Robinson before him. If Hussey doesn't take that next step, it could be Brown, Ashlynd Barker, or KJ Kirkland. However, I'm banking on Hussey.