Which True Freshman Will Make the Biggest Impact for FSU in 2023?

Which newcomer will see the most playing time for the Seminoles throughout the 2023 season?

Florida State brought in the 16th-ranked recruiting class in the country last year, according to 247Sports, highlighted by former five-star wide receiver Hykeem Williams and former four-star offensive tackle Lucas Simmons. 

READ MORE: Florida State Lands Four-Star OL Jonathan Daniels Over Georgia and Kentucky

The wide receiver and offensive line groups boast an abundance of talent, including standout receivers Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, as well as skilled offensive linemen such as Darius Washington and Jeremiah Byers.

The Seminoles have found themselves in a place where they will not have to rely heavily on a true freshman in 2023, which is a good thing, and there are few position groups aside from special teams where they will play a significant role.

The safety room lost the team's leading tackler Jammie Robinson, to the 2023 NFL Draft, leaving redshirt senior Akeem Dent and redshirt sophomore Shyheim Brown to pick up where he left off. Safeties Travis Jay and Omarion Cooper transferred to Colorado in the offseason, opening up an opportunity for a true freshman to step up in the reserve role and get considerable playing time.

Early enrollee KJ Kirkland, a four-star recruit out of Jacksonville, Florida, has the best chance of filling that role this upcoming season. He's listed at 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, and getting those early reps in defensive coordinator Adam Fuller's system should give him an edge over fellow freshman Conrad Hussey, who missed Tour of Duty and spring camp. 

During his senior season at Jacksonville Raines, he recorded 49 tackles, including 1.0 for loss, and made two interceptions. His contributions played a vital role in leading Raines to the regional final round of the 2M state playoffs.

The young freshman also ran track in high school, which gives him an additional edge. He anchored the 2A state champion 4x400 relay team and secured a third-place finish in the 400-meter event at the state championship meet. Kirkland also clinched the 2022 regional title and achieved back-to-back district championships in the 400-meter race.

Kirkland shined in spring ball, making Fuller's "Mission Takeaway" multiple times while showing that he can read the quarterback and play call. His lengthy frame and added weight give him the tools needed to fill the backup role, and he only has room to grow heading into the fall while learning the system.

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

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