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FSU Seminoles projected defensive depth chart at end of fall camp
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- FSU Seminoles projected defensive depth chart at end of fall camp
The FSU Seminoles are nearing the end of fall camp, and their Week 0 matchup with the New Mexico State Aggies on Aug. 29 is nearly here.
Mike Norvell and the Seminoles are looking to bounce back after back-to-back losing seasons, and they will be turning to several new players to try and make it happen. While several major contributors are back, especially Ja'Bril Rawls, Madrell and Darryll Desir, FSU's defense entered fall camp with several questions.
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One position that will see plenty of change to the starting lineup will be along the defensive line, where Tony White will use three- or four-man alignments, depending on the matchup. This projection is based on them having three linemen and a jack linebacker.
With FSU in the final week of fall camp before their game against New Mexico State, the vast majority of starting jobs have been won, though one or two will linger into the season. Here is our projected depth chart for the defense as the Seminoles prepare to start the 2026 season.
Defensive End
Projected Starter:Mandrell Desir or Darryll Desir
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Names to Know:Deamontae Diggs
Analysis:Both of the Desir twins should see plenty of action, with Darryll being better rushing the passer at the edge and Mandrell serving more as an interior presence. The Seminoles will need them to take another step after promising freshmen seasons, with Diggs serving as their primary backup
Nose Tackle
Projected Starter:Deante McCray
Names to Know:Kevyn Wynn
Analysis:McCray is the veteran of the defensive line and has been praised frequently throughout the offseason. Wynn can be a difference-maker for the Seminoles in his second year, drawing plenty of praise for improving his conditioning as he works to stay on the field.
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Defensive Tackle
Projected Starter:Daniel Lyons
Names to Know:Jordan Sanderson
Analysis:Lyons has flashed his potential during his time in Tallahassee, but has struggled with consistency. FSU needs him to be a consistent run-stopper in the middle of the defense, something this team lacks. Sanderson has played in multiple spots along the interior in his career, and the Seminoles are betting on him taking a step.
Jack
Projected Starter:Rylan Kennedy
Names to Know:Jalen Anderson
Analysis:Kennedy and Anderson were both brought in this offseason to fix their ability to rush the passer, and both have been praised during fall camp. While both lack proven production, the position is in a much better place than it was last year.
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Linebacker
Projected Starter:Chris Jones, Caleb LaVallee
Names to Know:Mikai Gbayor, Izayia Williams, Blake Nichelson, Omar Graham
Analysis:Chris Jones was brought in to be a starter and bring some needed physicality to the room, and he has seemingly done just that. The rotation behind him is murky, but LaVallee looks to have emerged as the second starter after a strong fall camp after losing last season to injury.
Gbayor has experience in the system and gives them another veteran in the room. Williams has missed part of camp with an injury, but should be a factor when he is healthy. Nichelson and Graham played plenty last year, but had struggles.
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Cornerback
Projected Starters:Ja'Bril Rawls, Quindarrius Jones
Names to Know:Nehemiah Chandler, Charles Lester III, Jabari Howard
Analysis:Rawls is the clear No. 1 cornerback and the leader of the room; FSU needs him to be one of the top cornerbacks in the ACC, something his ability to stay healthy will likely determine. Jones and Chandler entered fall camp battling for the second starting spot, and Jones has appeared to separate in his second year in the system.
Lester and Howard have been competeting to be the fourth cornerback, with both shining at times. Neither one has proven it, but both have the potential to be solid reserves.
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Rover Safety
Projected Starter:Ashlynd Barker
Names to Know:K.J. Kirkland
Analysis:Barker is arguably the most important player in the defense, and the Seminoles need him to take another step with him assuming a starter role. Kirkland has spent time at multiple safety spots this offseason and will see plenty of action.
Boundary Safety
Projected Starter:CJ Richard or K.J. Kirkland
Names to Know:Donny Heibert
Analysis:Richard could be a steal for the Seminoles after a strong season at Illinois State. This is Kirkland's best spot to earn a starting role, and both of them should see the field plenty.
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Field Safety
Projected Starter:Ma'Khi Jones
Names to Know:Jordan Crutchfield, Max Redmon
Analysis:Jones played plenty last year at Duke and can fill a variety of needs in the secondary. Karson Hobbs was likely the primary backup, and FSU has had to shuffle some things after losing him for the season.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Seminoles projected defensive depth chart at end of fall camp
