Florida State football is set to begin fall camp as Alabama preparation begins. See who we think will start Week 1 for the Seminoles on defense.
With fall camp beginning on July 30, Florida State football will get its first look at its 3-3-5 defense implemented by first-year defensive coordinator Tony White.
Some of the notable transfer players FSU acquired this offseason are James Williams, Elijah Herring,Stefon Thompson, Jayson Jenkins and Jeremiah Wilson.
After coming off a 2-10 season, Darrell Jackson, Shyheim Brown, Omar Graham Jr and Earl Little Jr are among the top returning starters on defense.
In this newly constructed defense, Mike Norvell expects the defense to be physically up to par as they prepare for Alabama in Week 1, which kicks off on Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Here's our projected depth chart on defense.
Defensive line
- 1st: James Williams, Darrell Jackson, Daniel Lyons/Jayson Jenkins
- 2nd: Amaree Williams,Kevin Wynn, Deamontae Diggs
- 3rd: Darryl Desir,KJ Samson, Deante McCray
Analysis: Jackson will be leading the defensive line. Williams, who has played in White's 3-3-3-5 scheme, will be just as impactful.
It will be interesting to see how White and D-line coach Terrance Knighton will rotate the players, especially at the JACK position, which is one of the defensive end spots. Other players to watch are Amaree Williams and freshman Kevin Wynn, who could also be key contributors.
Linebackers
- 1st: Elijah Herring, Juice Cryer, Omar Graham Jr.
- 2nd: Stefon Thompson, Blake Nichelson, Caleb LaValle
- 3rd: Ethan Pritchard, AJ Cottrill
Analysis: The linebacking corps is experienced with Juice Cryer, Graham, and Blake Nichelson returning and adding Herring and Thompson from the transfer portal to create depth, starting experience, and familiarity with the 3-3-5.
Secondary
Cornerbacks
- 1st: Ja'Bril Rawls, Jeremiah Wilson, Quindarrius Jones
- 2nd: Charles Lester, Ricky Knight III, Cai Bates
- 3rd:Shamar Arnoux, Zae Thomas
Analysis: Adding Wilson in the secondary was a huge pickup for the Seminoles from the transfer portal. According to PFF, the Houston transfer rated at 83.7, which is the 10th best among cornerbacks.
He also generated four interceptions last year with the Cougars. Ja'Bril Rawls has been praised by coaches and teammates for his aggressiveness, and Quindarrius Jones remains in the mix for the starting role after picking it up last season.
Safeties/Rovers
- 1st: Shyheim Brown, Edwin Joseph, Earl Little Jr.
- 2nd: K.J. Kirkland, Conrad Hussey, Ashlynd Barker
- 3rd: Max Redmon, Jarvis Boatwright Jr.
Analysis: With three safeties deep, it is interesting to see how White and his staff will manage this group.
Shyheim Brown is in his fifth season with the Seminoles, earning him seniority, but Little emerged as one of the team leaders on the overall defense.
Ever since he switched to safety full-time, Little has made strides and is expected to take a step forward at the Rover position.
Joseph flashed last season on defense and special teams, which will be intriguing to see how he adjusts in his new role. Don't sleep on Conrad Hussey, K.J. Kirkland, and Ashlynd Barker, as all three have game experience and could fight their way into the rotation.
Florida State football 2025 schedule
- Aug. 30, Alabama, 3:30 p.m.
- Sept. 6, East Texas A&M, Noon
- Sept. 20, Kent State, TBA
- Sept. 26, at Virginia (Friday), 7 p.m.
- Oct. 4, Miami, TBA
- Oct. 11, Pittsburgh, TBA
- Oct. 18, at Stanford, 10:30 p.m.
- Nov. 1 Wake Forest, TBA
- Nov. 8 at Clemson, TBA
- Nov. 15 Virginia Tech, TBA
- Nov. 21 at North Carolina State (Fri.), 8 p.m.
- Nov. 29 at Florida, TBA
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football depth chart projection: Who starts on defense vs. Alabama
Category: General Sports
