FSU Football Fall Camp Preview: Interior Defensive Line

One of the biggest strengths on the defense, the interior projects to be a versatile attack heading into 2023.

Talent is littered all across Florida State’s 2023-2024 roster. From experience to raw potential and everything in between, the Florida State Seminoles have loaded and reloaded across the board, and it’s this talent that continues to fuel their rise on every list of playoff favorites and national title contenders.

READ MORE: Florida State Adds Transfer From Ohio State To 2023-24 Roster

In just a few short months, the masses will come to find out for certain if the ‘Noles are capable of rising to the challenge and turning their increased potential into a reality. Until then, let’s continue our Fall position previews by taking a look at one of Florida State’s deepest and most talented position groups: the interior defensive line.

Oct 1, 2022; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Patrick Payton (56) celebrates a sack with defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (44) during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Doak S. Campbell Stadium / © Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sport

Other fall camp previews:

Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Defensive Ends

Safeties 

At The Surface

— Fabien Lovett, Redshirt Senior

The return of Fabien Lovett was a welcomed surprise for the Seminoles heading into spring camp. The talented interior defensive lineman’s production in five seasons at the collegiate level (two seasons at Mississippi State and three seasons with the Seminoles) has warranted significant attention from the NFL.

Despite the promise of a bright future at the professional level, Lovett has now elected to forego the NFL Draft yet again, and he returns to lead Florida State’s defensive line and looks to fill the void left behind by Robert Cooper’s departure.

Part of his reasoning for a return could be chalked up to the significant time he spent sidelined due to injury during the 2022 season. Lovett only appeared in seven games for the ‘Noles, but in that time, he notched ten tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. 

As we wrote in the spring interior defensive line preview, “Lovett’s return in 2023 does so much more for the Seminoles both on and off the field. He’s a significant presence on the field, a versatile defensive player, and a veteran leader in the locker room.”

— Braden Fiske, Redshirt Senior

Ranked the sixth-highest overall prospect and the top defensive tackle in the transfer portal, Braden Fiske transferred to Florida State in December of 2022. 

The redshirt senior left Western Michigan as one of the most decorated defensive linemen in program history, having recorded 148 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick for the Broncos. Fiske’s 58 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 2022 earned him second-team All-MAC honors. 

Despite sitting out of Florida State’s Spring Showcase, Fiske has garnered a lot of attention in such a short amount of time with the program. Many are eager to see if the veteran defensive tackle will be able to complement an already talent-filled defensive line.

— Darrell Jackson Jr., Junior

Darrell Jackson Jr. was yet another high-profile transfer to choose FSU as his future home for the 2023 season and the second veteran defensive lineman to come by way of the portal. Florida State will be Jackson’s third program in as many years. Still, the defensive tackle’s time with the Miami Hurricanes and the Maryland Terrapins before that has helped the journeyman evolve into a well-rounded defensive presence. Jackson appeared in all 12 games with the Hurricanes in 2022, notching 27 tackles (a career-high seven tackles in the game against North Carolina), three sacks, and one pass breakup.

Standing at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Jackson brings serious depth to the trenches with his versatile skillset and 25 games of experience under his belt. He had limited availability during the Spring Showcase, but he turned some heads all the same. Media outlets made note of Jackson’s “length and strength” style of play that caused fits for the Seminole offense all day, specifically making note of how well he fared when matched up against All-ACC performer D'Mitri Emmanuel.

Jackson’s veteran experience and refined skillset bodes well for his future with defensive line coach Odell Haggins and the defensive linemen at Florida State. But, there remains one outstanding issue that could keep the transfer sidelined for the foreseeable future. Jackson transferred from Maryland to Miami prior to the 2022 season; he used his “one-time” transfer exception. NCAA rules dictate that student-athletes who transfer again must sit out for an entire season or obtain a waiver from the NCAA. 

Head coach Mike Norvell and the ‘Noles are eagerly awaiting the NCAA’s decision, but Norvell is on record stating, “There's been good back and forth in providing all of the questions that the NCAA would have.”

— Dennis Briggs, Jr., Redshirt Senior

Redshirt senior Dennis Briggs has seen it all. The 6-foot-4, 284-pound defensive tackle is now entering his sixth year with the Florida State football program. After suffering a season-ending injury in his 2021 campaign, Briggs appeared in all 13 games for the Seminoles in 2022, recording 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss with three sacks, one quarterback hurry, and one pass breakup.

The seasoned veteran has earned team captain honors and various team awards, honoring his improvements over the years. Despite beginning the year as a defensive end, Briggs has been a consistent performer for the interior, serving as a formidable presence when battling in the trenches.

Off the field, Briggs' value is unmatched in terms of leadership and sheer experience. His presence in the locker room for this long has earned the respect of his teammates as is evidenced by his team captain status. Whatever role Briggs plays come the start of the 2023 season, there's no denying he's a Seminole through and through.

Florida State defensive tackle Dennis Briggs, Jr. (6) tackles Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec (5) inside Doak S. Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL. September 24, 2022  / Twitter

— Malcolm Ray, Redshirt Junior

Malcolm Ray is yet another experienced returner for the Seminoles along that defensive line, and his presence on the roster is a big reason why depth at the position is such a strength entering 2023.

Before the additions of Fiske and Jackson Jr., Ray was among the names floating around as a potential replacement in the Robert Cooper-Fabien Lovett duo. Each and every year, the redshirt junior has consistently showcased his ability to force his way into opponents' backfields and disrupt offenses. Ray posted a stat line of 15 tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and three quarterback hurries during the 2022 season.

Although the presence of Fiske and Jackson Jr. threatens his playing time, I wouldn't count him out just yet. Having spent considerably more time under Norvell and Haggins, he could become a secret weapon for the Seminoles in 2023.

— Joshua Farmer, Redshirt Sophomore

If you ask any Seminole fan who their "dark horse" or "sleeper" talent along the defensive line is, more often than not, they'd point to redshirt sophomore Joshua Farmer. Standing at 6-foot-3, 311 pounds, the young defensive tackle appeared in all 13 games in his second overall season at the collegiate level and first full season of action. Farmer produced 15 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and one quarterback hurry during the 2022 season. He earned Freshman Honorable Mention All-American honors, the Devaughn Darling Defensive Freshman of the Year, and led all ACC freshmen in total tackles for loss.

Given how the depth chart is top-heavy with guys nearing their last years with the Seminoles, many view Farmer as the future of the position for Florida State. Of course, that future was briefly called into question earlier in the off-season when Farmer seemingly entered his name into the transfer portal with the intent to leave. In a shocking reversal of fortune, Farmer ultimately elected to return to Florida State for 2023, and now hopes are higher than ever that the young defensive tackle will take the next step in his development.

— Ayobami Tifase, Redshirt Freshman

Ayobami Tifase is another fan-favorite defensive lineman, and the young man hasn’t even played a down yet. Tifase was the ninth-ranked prospect out of Maryland (per 247Sports) and the 74th-ranked DT following his reclassification into the Class of 2022. He spent the entirety of the 2022 season working with the scout team but recently made waves during his Spring Showcase appearance. The 6-foot-4, 298-pound defensive tackle was a presence in the backfield, disrupting the offense during spring camp. Heading into Fall Camp, many are hoping Tifase makes appearances throughout 2023 and emerges as a young star for the Seminoles.

— Daniel Lyons, Redshirt Freshman

Redshirt freshman Daniel Lyons was another highly touted prospect from the Class of 2022. He was ranked as a four-star prospect and the 24th-best defensive tackle prospect in the nation (per ESPN). Lyons appeared in four games for the Seminoles last season and recorded four tackles, two of which came in the same game. Working alongside Tifase, Lyons also put together a breakout performance during the Spring Showcase that left fans clamoring for more. Like Tifase, keep an eye on Lyons’ progression throughout Fall Camp.

— K.J. Sampson, True Freshman

Last but not least, true freshman K.J. Sampson officially joined the ranks at Florida State for the 2023 season. Ranked in the top 29 of his position nationwide by all major recruiting outlets, Sampson came to Tallahassee by way of North Carolina. According to Seminoles.com, he recorded 255 tackles, including 47.0 for loss, with 31.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in his prep career. While the inclusion of Sampson’s talent is a promising sign of the future yet to come, it’s unlikely he’ll see any meaningful playing time, given the sheer amount of experience and talent above him on the depth chart. The young defensive tackle will have to learn the ropes from the laundry list of veterans above him before making regular appearances.

Projected Depth Chart

Nose Tackle:

1. Fabien Lovett, Sr., RS Sr.

2. Darrell Jackson, Jr., Jr.

3. Malcolm Ray, RS Jr.

Defensive Tackle:

1. Braden Fiske, RS Sr.

2. Joshua Farmer, RS So./Dennis Briggs, Jr., RS Sr.

3. Daniel Lyons, RS Fr./Ayobami Tifase, RS Fr.

Biggest Question Marks

Have the Seminoles properly reloaded talent-wise, and will the hype and potential translate into on-field success?

Unlike other position groups on the roster, there aren’t a lot of lingering questions about who gets the start, what the contingency plan looks like, or what the future at the position looks like. Of course, we must also put the health uncertainties aside because that’s just a given. Truth be told, the most significant question mark here is a lot more simple: Have the Seminoles properly reloaded talent-wise, and will the hype and potential translate into on-field success?

As we pointed out in our Spring preview, the realization of the transfers’ potential and hype is key to filling the void left behind by Robert Cooper’s departure. If the two high-profile defensive linemen can find a rhythm early on, the defensive line as a whole — edge rushers included — could very well dominate the line of scrimmage. Darrell Jackson’s presence on the roster also alleviates the pressure on Lovett to carry the majority of the load at the nose tackle position, but we won’t know what kind of production we’ll get from the newcomers or know just how well they gel within the program until the games get played.

The focus then shifts to the cast of supporting characters and their ability to remain on par with the starters. Briggs, Farmer and Ray each ranked within the Top 20 on the team in defensive production across all positions, combining for 51 total tackles (assisted and solo), 12 tackles for loss (6 of which Joshua Farmer accounted for on his own), and seven total sacks. Can the experienced depth on the roster maintain a high level of production or, in some cases, take the next step in 2023?

Lastly, what kind of contribution can we expect from the likes of Tifase and Lyons? The young defensive tackles have been making waves throughout Spring and Summer, but what kind of presence will they have on-field when the season rolls around?

Follow the Leader

As the longest-standing members on the roster, Fabien Lovett, Sr. and Dennis Briggs, Jr. are the likeliest candidates to lead the position group. These seasoned veterans have been integral in building the foundation of Mike Norvell’s culture, thus making them the best to represent the standard vocally and by example in 2023. 

Fall Camp Outlook

Familiar faces have gone, and new faces have made their way in; such is the nature of the game. But, the outlook remains the same for the Florida State interior line. Just like I wrote months ago before the start of spring camp: "Put simply, this position group is deep and highly versatile. With the infusion of talent and the return of most veterans, the Seminoles may boast one of the most prolific interior defensive lines in the country." 

Health, consistency of play, the balance of veteran experience, young talent, and strong chemistry all remain pillars of success for the position group. Lovett, Fiske, and Jackson Jr. are the headliners, and with that designation comes the expectation that hype and potential translate into on-field production. Therefore, keep an eye out for how that synergy between the newcomers and the returners develops in the first few weeks of camp.

Continue to keep track of the supporting cast, specifically Briggs, Farmer and Ray. While there isn't an overwhelming amount of pressure for them to perform at an elite level week in and week out, it's imperative that they remain consistent and continue to apply pressure on opposing linemen. Depth is this position group's strength, but it's only a strength when the quality of that depth remains high. If guys like Briggs, Farmer and Ray can do just that, then Florida State finds itself with a multi-headed attack without an over-reliance on one particular guy. Translation? "They can't stop us all." 

Finally, monitor how Lyons and Tifase find their way onto the field. Despite being young and relatively inexperienced (compared to the rest of the depth chart), these are two talented young men that have displayed signs of exponential progression as of late. Fall camp will give the young defensive tackles an opportunity to compete and prove their worth. It should be fun to see how they fair as we get close to the start of the season, and there's a whole lot more at stake. 

Fall camp is right around the corner. The interior defensive lineman, along with the rest of the 2023 roster, will have an opportunity to enhance their skills and refine their play before the start of a new season. 

The chatter is growing louder ahead of the September 3rd season opener against the LSU Tigers and expectations for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles are at an all-time high. 

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READ MORE: FSU Welcomes Back Former Star Nick O'Leary As Latest Staff Addition

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