The start of the 2016 season is just four months away for Florida State as the Seminoles open up the campaign in Orlando against Ole Miss on Labor Day night. The Seminoles have talent at virtually every position, but the biggest question mark will be at linebacker.
The talent is there, but the experience and depth is not. Looking at the 2016 schedule for Florida State, the Noles will face their fair share of talented linebackers as well. Here are the top 5:
1. Devonte Fields, Louisville
2015 Stats: 63 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles
Whether its been at TCU or Louisville, Devonte Fields has been a quarterback’s worst nightmare from his linebacker position. Fields can run out in space, but as a pass-rusher, he’s one of the best in the ACC and arguably the country. Fields and the Cardinals will host Florida State on Sept. 17.
2. Keith Kelsey, Louisville
2015 Stats: 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles
Fresh off a 100-tackle campaign, Louisville’s Keith Kelsey tends to always be around the football and is a big part of a Louisville defense that is one of the best in the ACC. The Cardinals did struggle against the FSU offense the last two seasons, allowing more than 40 points and 500 yards in each contest.
3. Jarrad Davis, Florida
2015 Stats: 98 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble
Florida is losing a lot on defense, but senior Jarrad Davis is a solid piece to build around. David is a tackling machine out in space and has plenty of speed to run down ball-carriers. Davis and the Gator defense held FSU’s Dalvin Cook in check for three quarters before wearing down in a 27-2 loss last season. The rivals meet on Nov. 26 at Doak Campbell Stadium.
4. Ben Boulware, Clemson
2015 Stats: 82 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles
Ben Boulware isn’t the best athlete in the world, but his football instincts are off the charts. Boulware always seems to be around the football and was responsible for forcing five turnovers for the ACC champion Clemson Tigers. Boulware will be one of the leaders on a Clemson defense that will have to deal with significant attrition. The Tigers visit FSU on Oct. 29.
5. Matt Milano, Boston College
2015 Stats: 60 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles
An integral part of the ACC’s best statistical defense a season, Boston College senior Matt Milano lacks ideal size, but flies to the football. Milano recorded 6.5 sacks a season ago and 17.5 tackles for loss. The Eagles held FSU to just one offensive touchdown a season ago in a 14-0 loss. The teams meet in Tallahassee on Nov. 11.
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