Florida State started four new faces along the offensive line last season and never really developed a cohesive unit. With all five starters returning, FSU is hoping that is something that will change in 2016.
For the Seminoles to be successful, that is something that needs to happen. FSU will face a lot of talented defensive players up front and protecting the quarterback and opening holes for running back Dalvin Cook will be vital. Here are the top 5 defensive linemen the Noles will face this upcoming season:
1. Carlos Watkins, Clemson (DT)
2015 Stats: 34 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss
Carlos Watkins was surrounded by defensive line talent last season at Clemson, but still managed to make a name for himself, earning first team All-ACC honors. Watkins is a very good athlete at 6-3 and 300 pounds and can stuff the run or get after the passer. Watkins and the Tigers visit FSU on Oct. 29.
2. Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss (DE)
2015 Stats: 43 tackles, 10 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles
Ole Miss junior defensive end Marquis Haynes might be the best pass-rusher FSU will see all season in 2016 and the Seminoles will see him right away. The Rebels face the Seminoles in the season-opener in Orlando on Labor Day and FSU could be breaking in a new quarterback. At 6-3 and only 220 pounds, Haynes is more athletic than some linebackers and the Noles will need to find a way to get him blocked.
3. DeAngelo Brown, Louisville (DT)
2015 Stats: 40 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss
Like Carlos Watkins, Louisville’s DeAngelo Brown doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves because of all the talent around him. At nearly 320 pounds, Brown is near impossible to block one-on-one. Brown and the Cardinals could be a tough test for the Seminoles as the teams meet in Louisville on Sept. 17 in what will be the first true road game for FSU.
4. D.J. Jones, Ole Miss (DT)
2015 Stats: 40 tackles, 4 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, forced fumble
The second member of Ole Miss’ deep, talented front to make the list, D.J. Jones is an imposing figure at 325 pounds. Jones was once an FSU commit, but has found success with the Rebels. Jones is primarily a run-stuffer, but moves well for a man his size.
5. Caleb Brantley, Florida (DT)
2015 Stats: 29 tackles, 3 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss
Caleb Brantley was overshadowed in 2015 by fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard, but was a key piece to a very good Florida defense. Brantley isn’t the biggest defensive tackle in the world, but makes up for a lack of size with his athleticism. Brantley and the Gators visit FSU on Nov. 26.
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