FSU Football Spring Safety Preview: Locking Down the Secondary

Who will step up to fill Akeem Dent's role?

Florida State's spring camp is right around the corner, set to start on March 19, as the Seminoles head into the 2024 season. As the depth chart begins to unfold, newcomers and veterans will be vying for their roles on the team, with quite a few starting positions left open due to the NFL Draft. After having one of the most dominant secondaries a season ago, spring should give a glimpse into what to expect from defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. in how they plan to utilize underclassmen.

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The FSU secondary took some major losses with the departures of defensive backs Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green, and Akeem Dent. However, they returned one of their highest-graded safeties in Shyheim Brown. The 'Noles added Miami transfer Davonte Brown to the mix and have some talented DBs set to move up in the ranks.

Departures:

Akeem Dent (NFL)

The 'Noles lost veteran safety Akeem Dent who finished his fifth season in Tallahassee with 44 tackles, a pass deflection, and two forced fumbles. While having an up-and-down career at FSU his departure will leave a hole on defense that needs to be addressed if the Seminoles want to have another dominant defense. 

Returners: 

Redshirt junior Shyheim Brown, redshirt sophomore Ashlynd Barker, sophomore Conrad Hussey, and redshirt freshman KJ Kirkland

Florida State returns 89 tackles (66.9%), 3.5 tackles for loss (54.5%), 3 sacks (85.7%), six pass deflections (85.7%), two interceptions (100%), and two forced fumbles (50%) from its safeties who suited up in 2023.

Newcomers:

Miami transfer Davonte Brown

FSU added plenty of defensive backs to the roster in the offseason but the only lock to fill the safety position is Brown. Davonte Brown started at UCF before transferring to Miami and ultimately to the Seminoles. He has played 47 games in his career with 31 starts and recorded 101 tackles, including 5.5 for loss with one sack, 19 pass breakups, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Projected Depth Chart:

Buck Safety:

1. Shyheim Brown, RS Jr.

2. Ashlynd Barker, RS So.

Safety:

1. Conrad Hussey, So.

2. Davonte Brown, RS Sr./KJ Kirkland, RS Fr.

Spring Outlook:

Spring is going to give us a good look at the underclassmen from a year ago. Veteran Shyheim Brown has been and will continue to be a force in the defensive backfield and his continuity with leadership will almost certainly help develop his position group. Florida State added Miami transfer Davonte Brown who has a chance to get in the mix with the absence of Dent. We expect Ashlynd Barker to move into a more prominent role in the backfield with Kevin Knowles II sliding back to nickel corner.

With the added depth in the DB room, there could be a chance for Charles Lester, Cai Bates, and Jamari Howard to fill a safety role. However, they will more than likely start their careers at cornerback as the coaches get a better feel for the design of this year's system and as their bodies develop in a college-level strength and conditioning program.

Hussey is a promising player who is more than talented enough to secure a starting role. He appeared in all 14 games with one start in 2023. He was named FSU's defensive freshman of the year after recording 22 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception so he will be one to watch this season. Can he grow into a more consistent player while seeing more snaps?

Kirkland is an intelligent football player but didn't see the field much in 2023 while dealing with injuries. He redshirted last season after totaling three tackles and might still need some time to develop which is what spring is for. 

The safety room has a lot of interesting storylines to watch for as the 'Noles look ahead to summer workouts and fall camp. 

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READ MORE: FSU Football Spring Defensive End Preview: Strength In Numbers Off The Edge

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