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The defensive coaching staff gets a clean slate on the defensive line.

Florida State football gets a fresh start.

By Taylor Devers

Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden talks with defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden talks with defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 25-19 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-Imagn Images / Jason Getz-Imagn Images
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Florida State entered the 2024 season, where many individuals, such as ESPN's Pete Thamel and legendary head football coach Nick Saban, suggested that the Seminoles had one of the best defensive lines in the entire country.

This was something that some fans took with a grain of salt, considering that the program was losing pieces such as Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Fabien Lovett Sr. to the NFL. The 2023 season reminded individuals that the Seminoles' defense (specifically the defensive line) was elite.

Many of those players were drafted into the NFL. The coaching staff was then tasked with replacing that elite level of production. As a result, they added Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia), Sione Lolohea (Oregon State), Tomiwa Durojaiye (West Virginia), and Grady Kelly (Colorado State) via the transfer portal.

2024 did not go well for Florida State football as they finished with a 2-10 record, and the defensive line was very inconsistent. Then the Seminoles lost Joshua Farmer, Darrell Jackson Jr., Marvin Jones Jr., Lamont Green Jr., Byron Turner Jr., and potentially even Patrick Payton (if he decides to enter) to either the NFL or the transfer portal.

Florida State hired Nebraska's Tony White as defensive coordinator, Terrance Knighton as defensive line coach, and Evan Cooper as safeties coach. The 3-3-5 defensive scheme is described as a multiple defense that will keep opposing offenses on their toes.

Knighton will have a clean slate to develop pieces. He will have players such as Daniel Lyons, DD Holmes, KJ Sampson, Aaron Hester, Grady Kelly, D'Nas White, Jaden Jones, and Jamorie Flagg. Then you also have to consider the true freshmen added like Kevin Wynn, LaJesse Harrold, Tylon Lee, Darryll Desir, Mandrell Desir, and Tyeland Coleman.

I fully expect a couple of young pieces to emerge on the defensive line. However, I believe that the coaching staff will grab a few transfers, such as defensive end James Williams from Nebraska, who has received predictions to land at Florida State.

Next. Why I like the potential pickup for FSU of QB transfer Thomas Castellanos. Why I like the potential pickup for FSU of QB transfer Thomas Castellanos. dark

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