Strong, big, mean, deep and talented. Those are five ways to describe Florida State’s defensive line heading into 2017.
The Seminoles are losing a Consensus All-American in DeMarcus Walker, but the defensive line still returns 35 sacks and more than 70 tackles for loss. FSU also brings in a nice blend of youth with two 5-star players up front.
For a team with the tradition, facilities and recruiting pipeline of Florida State, it’s hard not to find talent at almost every position. Along the defensive front for FSU however, the Seminoles have the chance to be one of the best units in the country.
1. The Name to Know: Derrick Nnadi, DT
After a strong finish to 2016, enormous things are expected out of senior defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi. Nnadi finished his junior campaign with 49 total tackles, including 10.5 for loss and six sacks.
On the interior, Nnadi is an absolute load to block. Nnadi is extremely strong, has violent hands and is a pretty good athlete. Nnadi is also incredibly instinctive and has the chance to be one of the nation’s best pass-rushers from the defensive tackle spot.
2. Burning Question: Which Pass-Rusher Has a Breakout Year?
Even without Walker, there are a number of pass-rushers for Florida State to be excited about. After a solid freshman year, Josh Sweat made significant strides in 2016, finishing with 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Sophomore Brian Burns led all true freshmen a season ago with 9.5 sacks and is the Seminoles’ leading returning sack man from a season ago. On top of those two, FSU has a number of promising young pass-rushers including Janarius Robinson and true freshman Joshua Kaindoh. That doesn’t include Jacob Pugh, who is listed as a linebacker. When all is said and done, FSU has as many as four players capable of notching double-digit sacks this season.
3. Put You Future Stock In: Marvin Wilson, DT
There are a number of talented youngsters for Florida State up front who could have fell into this category, but Marvin Wilson looks to be a sure thing for FSU. The top prospect from Texas in 2017, Wilson is big, physical and for a man his size, extremely athletic.
Although he did not enroll early like fellow 5-star lineman Joshua Kaindoh, expect Wilson to be an instant contributor at defensive tackle. Wilson should be able to help the Seminoles immediately both against the run and as an interior pass-rusher.
4. Other Names to Know: Josh Sweat, Brian Burns, Demarcus Christmas, Joshua Kaindoh, Janarius Robinson, Fred Jones, Wally Aime, Cedric Wood, Darvin Taylor, Jalen Wilkerson
With DeMarcus Walker gone, junior Josh Sweat is expected to man the strong side defensive end position for FSU with converted tight end Jalen Wilkerson and redshirt freshman Janarius Robinson expected to provide depth. On the interior, Demarcus Christmas will likely be the starter next to Derrick Nnadi, but that’s a position where the Seminoles are deep with experienced players like Fred Jones and Wally Aime as well as youngsters like Cedric Wood, Darvin Taylor and Marvin Wilson filling in.
Brian Burns, the team’s leading returning sack man, will likely be used primarily as a pass-rusher from FSU’s “BUCK” position. The highly-touted freshman Joshua Kaindoh could play either the weak side or the strong side. He will likely be a reserve, but should have a significant role.
5. Food For Thought
After finishing 108th in the country in sacks with just 17 in 2014, Florida State has made tremendous strides in two years under defensive ends coach Brad Lawing. After nearly doubling that total to 33 in 2015, FSU ranked second only to Alabama last season with 51 sacks. On a sacks per game basis, FSU led the country.
With the exception of Walker, who finished with 16 sacks a year ago, the Seminoles don’t lose another player who recorded a sack last season. FSU also returns four defensive linemen who forced a fumble last season. The 51 sacks a season ago was the most for Florida State since 1997 when the Seminoles recorded 64 sacks.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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