FSU FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE LINE
Florida State's defensive line had productive pieces in it during the 2023 season, with players such as Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, and Fabien Lovett Sr. However, the 2024 version brought in Patrick Payton (in a more elevated role), Sione Lolohea, and Marvin Jones Jr. (to name a few).
This was not ideal for a program seeking to replicate its production from the previous season. The Seminoles had a chip on their shoulder and were looking to prove individuals wrong, which is always something that could turn into a disaster.
I hope this doesn't happen again, but legendary head football coach Nick Saban made the bold claim that the Seminoles had one of the "best defensive lines in the country". That did not come to fruition, but I liked the optimism and confidence that it brought.
NEW NAMES
Florida State brought in a ton of names this offseason at the defensive line position. They even hired a new assistant coach in Terrance Knighton, who will be tasked with constructing a productive unit. The talk of the offseason has been about Darrell Jackson Jr., James Williams, Jayson Jenkins (coming off injury), and the Desir Twins.
There is one name that has not been mentioned much, but Coach Norvell believes that he can maintain the workload on the defensive line: Deante McCray.
McCray is mentioned by Coach Norvell on Tuesday afternoon as someone who is making a ton of progress. The former Western Kentucky transfer was expected to be a pivotal part of the rotation, but he had been practicing in the interior of the line.
It is encouraging that the Western Kentucky transfer recorded 104 tackles (7.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks with one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. McCray almost reminds me of former defensive lineman Keir Thomas with his versatility to play defensive tackle and end, as well as his frame being 6'4" and 287 pounds.