One of Florida State football's biggest questions is how they will respond to the 2-10 record in 2024. It was not something that the fan base or the individuals associated with the program were proud of.
Florida State is used to being in contention for conference and national championships. Head football coach has been emphasizing the "standard" of the program. He even fired and hired new coaches on the staff and then acquired new pieces via the recruiting ranks and transfer portal.
There has been so much discussion about the pickups that we sometimes forget about the returning pieces on the roster. It is reasonable to discredit a roster that did not play well last year, but there is still some talent
One player that I want to pay attention to is redshirt sophomore defensive back KJ Kirkland. He was a former four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class that continues to make strides in the program.
Florida State had to rely on veteran Shyheim Brown at safety after Akeem Dent graduated and went to the NFL. Transfer Davonte Brown started in the beginning of the 2024 season. However, that experiment went horribly wrong after he did not play well at cornerback with Miami in 2023.
As a result, the coaching staff inserted Kirkland into the lineup. He was a solid safety for the Seminoles, even though the defense was much to be desired. The Jacksonville (FL) native had 46 tackles and two passes defended last season.
Kirkland started the last nine games of 2024. It looks to be a prime opportunity for him to be in the safety rotation again as veteran Shyheim Brown is back for his senior season. Kirkland will have to battle off safety pieces such as Earl Little Jr., Ashlynd Barker, and Conrad Hussey Jr.