Which linebackers will emerge for the Seminoles during the 2024 season?

Florida State football is having to replace the likes of Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune who graduated and are now fighting for roster spots in the NFL.

The Seminoles will have to replicate their production in 2024 where Bethune (71) and DeLoach (68) were the top two tackles on Florida State's defense from a season ago. Veteran DJ Lundy returns to Tallahassee after flirting with the likes of Colorado. He was third on the team with 54 tackles.

With the Seminoles primarily utilizing a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, they need to find another productive piece to pair alongside Lundy in the defense. While the redshirt senior has the most experience, Florida State still has talented players in the position.

Here are the current linebackers on the roster:

-Omar Graham Jr. (RS Soph)

-DJ Lundy (RS Sr)

-Shawn Murphy (RS Soph)

-Cam Riley (Sr)

-Blake Nichelson (Soph)

-Justin Cryer (Soph)

-DeMarco Ward (RS Fr)

-AJ Cottrill (RS Soph- PWO)

-Gav Holman (Fr- PWO)

-Ashton Bracewell (RS Fr- PWO)

-Timir Hickman-Collins (Fr)

-Brandon Torres (RS Fr-PWO)

-Jayden Parrish (Fr)

-Emile Aime (RS Jr-PWO)

THOUGHTS

Florida State added Cam Riley (Auburn) and Shawn Murphy (Alabama) via the transfer portal to provide a sense of experience to an unproven group. While I do think both of them will play this season, I like what sophomores Blake Nichelson and Justin Cryer bring to the table as linebackers.

Honestly, if redshirt sophomore Omar Graham Jr. stays healthy, he could also be a factor. This could be a big fall camp for Nichelson as he looks to live up to his four-star billing. However, Cryer is a player that the coaching staff is high and has the necessary frame and skill set to be successful.

My guess, in a 4-2-5 defensive scheme, the starting linebackers would be DJ Lundy and Blake Nichelson. I believe that Nichelson has what it takes to elevate his game to the next level.

While it is a lot to expect from a player with only 17 tackles in his lone season, the California native has showcased an ability to cover in space and come down in run support with his 6'3" and 224-pound frame.