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FSU Spring Position Preview: Linebackers

The Seminoles are bringing back the top four players from their linebacker rotation in 2023.

Charleston Bowles

In this story:

As Florida State gears up for spring practice, the Seminoles' defense boasts experienced veterans and younger prospects across the board.

In the linebacker room, FSU returns both starters and two of the leading tacklers from 2022 in redshirt seniors Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune. 

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Under defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and linebackers coach Randy Shannon, the group has statistically improved and produced some of the best on-field results we've seen in recent years. 

However, with Bethune and DeLoach entering their last seasons of eligibility, the long-term solution at linebacker should be analyzed closely this spring, specifically with redshirt freshman Omar Graham Jr. 

Departures: 

Amari Gainer (North Carolina)

Gainer transferred to North Carolina to utilize his final year of eligibility, The Tallahassee, Florida, native finished his career with 193 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles. He fell out of the rotation later in his career due to injuries and made 17 tackles in just six games in 2022.

Returners:

Redshirt senior Kalen DeLoach, redshirt senior Tatum Bethune, redshirt senior Brendan Gant, redshirt junior DJ Lundy, redshirt junior Stephen Dix Jr and redshirt freshman Omar Graham Jr.

In their first season as a tandem, DeLoach and Bethune made noise all over the field. Bethune ranked second in tackles (84), while DeLoach finished third (63). Each of them finished with three sacks and proved themselves against the pass and run.

With Bethune's arrival, Lundy's numbers declined with 48 tackles (69 in 2021). Lundy's snaps remain limited because of his liability in coverage, but he's one of the hardest hitters in the room.

This upcoming spring ball is the second for Graham Jr. As an early enrollee in the 2022 recruiting class, he turned heads last offseason and racked up eight tackles in three regular season games. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native offers intrigue as a multi-year starter and could make serious progress this spring. 

Gant is a pivotal part of special teams and made 33 tackles in 2022. He'll continue being a reliable tackler in run support.

Dix Jr missed the 2022 season because of injury but has plenty of experience from his first two seasons. Dix Jr won't be expected to challenge for a starting role like he was in previous years, which could benefit him long-term.

New Additions:

Freshman DeMarco Ward (Freshmen Blake Nichelson and Dylan-Brown Turner arrive in the summer)

Ward is the lone early enrollee from the linebackers of the 2023 recruiting class. The former three-star recruit from Duluth, Georgia, won't have any immediate pressure and should have ample opportunity to develop at his own pace.

Projected Depth Chart:

Mike:

1. Kalen DeLoach

2. Omar Graham Jr.

3. Stephen Dix Jr.

Will:

1. Tatum Bethune 

2. DJ Lundy

Sam:

1. DJ Lundy

2. Brendan Gant

Spring Outlook:

Florida State fans should feel confident about the linebackers heading into spring practice. In past years, the second level of the Noles' defense may have been categorized as a liability due to inconsistency and lack of physicality from linebackers. The room has flipped upside down and is trending in the right direction behind its two veteran starters.

Previous Spring Position Previews:

Quarterback

Running Back

Offensive Line

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 offseason

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Charleston Bowles
CHARLESTON BOWLES

Football writer

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