Florida State is still in the process of revamping its linebacker room.
This wasn’t expected to be a quick fix given that Jimbo Fisher left the position in disarray towards the end of his tenure. Some strides were made by the previous staff, but Mike Norvell, Adam Fuller and Chris Marve are tasked with elevating this position to get to a higher caliber.
There are pieces to work with, that’s the good news. But as you’ll see, there’s a good amount to sort out at the position beginning this spring.
We take a look at linebacker to continue our FSU position-preview series ahead of spring practice, which begins March 7. (You can read previous previews on QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DE and DT).
Projected Depth Chart
Mike
1.Leonard Warner, Sr
2.Jaleel McRae, Soph./Cornel Jones, Sr.
Will
1.Emmett Rice, Sr.
2.Jaleel McRae, Soph./Stephen Dix Jr., Fr.
Stud
1.Amari Gainer, RS Soph.
2.Brendan Gant, Soph./Kalen DeLoach, Soph.
What to like
You have some interchangeable pieces to build around, and functional depth for the first time in years.
The potential starpower is seemingly limited at this time, unless a player makes a huge leap, but you do have some steady linebackers to build a versatile two-deep around this spring despite being without Jaiden Lars-Woodbey — seemingly an ideal fit at Stud — as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Rice came on late last season. After battling injuries throughout the past couple years, he finally looked confident and comfortable. If that continues, he’s a nice weapon to have as a senior. Gainer had an excellent 2019 campaign in a hybrid edge defender role, and it will be interesting to see how the new staff utilizes his diverse skill set. Right now, I have him penciled in at Stud because he can play in space, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him moved inside.
Area of concern
The floor of this group has certainly been elevated, and the previous staff deserves credit for giving direction to a position in dire need of a revamp.
But the ceiling is still very much so unclear. Just how good can it be? Who are the game changers?
McRae is someone who flashed in spurts as a freshman and provided excellent energy, but was sometimes out of control. A year of experience and getting used to the speed of the college level should help with that. Getting him, DeLoach or fellow 2019 class member Kevon Glenn to elevate their play in 2020 would be huge.
Other variables regarding this group’s floor and ceiling include the potential status of walk-on transfer Cornel Jones (will he be eligible to play this year?) and just how quickly FSU can get reliable production from promising freshman Stephen Dix Jr.
Spring Storyline
How does FSU’s staff work players new roles?
There are options here, and that’s ultimately a good thing. It would be ideal to see a few linebackers separate and emerge as impact players, and that could happen if the staff is able to fit them into the right spots. Is Gainer best outside or at one of the inside linebacker spots? Is it Warner or McRae who emerges as the top ‘backer next to Rice? Can a newcomer make an instant impact?
This position feels jumbled right now, although not necessarily in a bad way. It will be fun to watch the group compete this spring to see if a couple players shake out to become surefire starters.
