Linebacker has been a position where Florida State has struggled to keep able bodies over the years, but there is reason to believe that will be different this season. The Seminoles will likely start three very experienced seniors at the position with a slew of young talent looking to make its mark.
Throughout the course of the 2017 regular season, the Seminoles will also face their fair share of quality linebackers. Here’s a look at the five best linebackers that FSU is set to face in 2017:
1. Kendall Joseph, Clemson
2016 Stats: 124 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception
After a monster 2016 campaign, Clemson’s Kendall Joseph doesn’t seem to be getting the recognition that he deserves. Though an extremely talented defensive line played a big part of Clemson’s defensive success, Joseph was all over the field last season, finishing second on the team in total tackles and leading the team in tackles for loss. Joseph recorded seven tackles and a sack in last season’s 37-34 win over FSU. The teams meet in Death Valley this season on Nov. 11.
2. Stacy Thomas, Louisville
2016 Stats: 85 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception
With Keith Kelsey and Devonte Fields off to the NFL, Stacy Thomas will be the player to watch for Louisville at linebacker in 2017. Thomas appeared in all 13 games for the Cardinals a year ago and ranked second on the team in total tackles. Thomas is a player who flies to the football while doing an admirable job in pass coverage. Thomas had seven tackles in a win over FSU last season. The teams meet this year in Tallahassee on Oct. 21.
3. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Alabama
2016 Stats: 64 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
An interior linebacker at 230 pounds and a big hitter, Shaun Dion Hamilton was largely overshadowed by Butkus Award winner Reuben Foster last season, but should be the guy to watch for a very talented group of Alabama linebackers. Hamilton is returning from a season-ending ACL injury suffered in the SEC Championship against Florida, but big things are expected nonetheless. Hamilton will get his shot against the Seminoles when the teams open in Atlanta on Sept. 2.
4. Ben Humphreys, Duke
2016 Stats: 106 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception
Junior Ben Humphreys was one of the big bright spots last season for a Duke defense that was forced to keep the Blue Devils in games. Humphreys ranked sixth in the ACC in tackles per game and can do just about everything from his linebacker spot. Humphreys and the Blue Devils will host FSU on Oct. 14.
5. Shaq Quarterman, Miami
2016 Stats: 84 tackles, 10 for loss, 3.5 sacks
Just a freshman a season ago, Miami’s Shaq Quarterman was forced to grow up quickly, but he did just that. Among Hurricanes, only Jamal Carter had more tackles last season while Quarterman ranked third on the team in tackles for loss. At nearly 240 pounds, Quarterman is a big inside linebacker with a nose for the football. In last season’s loss to Florida State however, Quarterman recorded just four tackles. The teams meet this season in Tallahassee on Sept. 16.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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