FSU Football Fall Camp Preview: Safeties

The Seminoles have some questions to answer at safety with back-to-back leading tackler Jammie Robinson no longer on the roster.

Florida State is getting closer and closer to getting back on the practice fields with fall camp set to kick off in a couple of weeks. After winning ten games in 2022 and following that up with a promising spring, the Seminoles have bigger aspirations on their mind.

READ MORE: Seminoles Pushing For Three-Star Defensive Back Kevin Levy, Who Has Scheduled An Upcoming Commitment

That starts with winning the program's first conference championship since 2014 and pushing for a potential playoff berth. The Seminoles return plenty of talent across a defense that is projected to be among the top ten in the country. 

However, there is still some uncertainty remaining in the back end with back-to-back leading tackler Jammie Robinson moving on to the NFL. There are only two players (Akeem Dent, Shyheim Brown) with game experience returning at safety this season in a room that is filled with youth.

NoleGameday will be breaking down each position group to provide a detailed overview of what is expected out of the roster ahead of the season. Our eyes turn towards a safety room that has a lot to prove in 2023.

Other Fall Camp Previews:

Quarterbacks

Defensive Ends

At The Surface

— Akeem Dent, Redshirt Senior

Dent has started 20 of Florida State's 23 games over the last two years while recording 97 tackles, one interception, and eight pass deflections during that time, making him the most experienced safety on the roster. After dealing with an injury late in the year that limited him during the offseason, it's imperative that he stays healthy in a room that can't afford him to miss any time.

— Shyheim Brown, Redshirt Sophomore

Brown came on strong in 2022 as he appeared in all 13 games and made two starts. He filled in alongside Jammie Robinson and Akeem Dent in the rotation at safety while also becoming an impact player on special teams (does a certain game in New Orleans ring a bell?). Brown has shown plenty of promise but now he'll have to step into a bigger role for the team while continuing to make progress in his development.

— Ashlynd Barker, Redshirt Freshman

Barker was one of Florida State's two signees following the conclusion of spring practice (Keon Coleman) and joins the program after spending one year at Iowa Western Community College. He redshirted during his lone season at the JUCO level but might be asked to step into an immediate role in Tallahassee. Barker is a long and lengthy prospect that fits the mold of what the Seminoles ask out of their defensive backs.

— KJ Kirkland, True Freshman

Kirkland enrolled at Florida State in January and participated in Tour of Duty as well as spring practice. He showed an enticing skillset and made plenty of plays alongside fellow true freshman defensive back Quindarrius Jones. Kirkland has the tools to enter the rotation early in his career but do the Seminoles want to rely on a first-year player while trying to make a playoff run?

— Conrad Hussey, True Freshman

Hussey recently enrolled in Tallahassee along with the other summer enrollees. He was one of the top-rated players at his position in the 2023 class and competed against quality competition at St. Thomas Aquinas. However, Hussey missed crucial reps during the spring and it's hard to project his role during his first year on campus. Similar to Kirkland, the Seminoles will have to figure out how much they'll rely on youth at safety.

Projected Two-Deep Depth Chart

BUCK Safety:

1. Akeem Dent, RS Sr.

2. KJ Kirkland, Fr.

Safety:

1. Shyheim Brown, RS So.

2. Conrad Hussey Fr./Ashlynd Barker/RS FR.

Biggest Question Mark?

Who will step into the rotation behind Akeem Dent and Shyheim Brown?

Florida State relied heavily on a three-man group at safety in 2022 as Robinson (796), Dent (566), and Brown (442) soaked up 1804/1937 (93.3%) of the snaps at the position. With Robinson off the roster, the Seminoles will look to Dent and Brown to take on a larger workload in the back end. The team also needs someone to step into the third spot in the rotation.

This could go multiple ways as the coaching staff weighs the possibility of relying on young talent or moving a cornerback over. Kirkland might be the most ready of the trio of freshmen out of the gate. As for candidates to make a switch, Kevin Knowles and Azareye'h Thomas could be potential names to watch as the Seminoles try to sure up the defensive backfield.

Follow The Leader

This was a pretty easy pick as the Seminoles have just one true veteran on the roster at safety in redshirt senior Akeem Dent. This will be his fifth year at Florida State after joining the program in 2019 under former head coach Willie Taggart.

Dent stuck around when Norvell arrived in town and has become a consistent face on the defense. Possibly out shadowed at times by the likes of Robinson, Jermaine Johnson, and other defensive standouts over the years, the former five-star recruit still has plenty of talent. 

The Florida native is more of a lead-by-example type of player but his experience will be important for the younger Seminoles around him. Dent has started in 30 of his 43 appearances at Florida State while totaling 145 tackles, two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 16 pass deflections, and one interception.

Fall Camp Outlook

Florida State knows what it has in a sturdy veteran like Dent and there's hope that Brown can replace some of what Robinson offered as he continues to grow. Fall camp will be all about the other players in the room and seeing what level of contributions each of them can provide in 2023.

The Seminoles took a couple of lumps in the transfer portal with Omarion Cooper and Travis Jay moving on to Colorado. It's worth noting once again that none of Barker, Kirkland, or Hussey have played a collegiate snap. At this point, one injury is all that separates Florida State from having to put unproven players on the field.

It makes a lot of sense for the coaching staff to cross-train at least one player that is currently in the cornerback room to provide some insurance behind Dent and Brown. Regardless, this is the potential weak link on a defense that is loaded with experience and depth at other positions.

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READ MORE: Who Will Be The Next Recruit To Commit To Florida State In July?

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