The start of the 2015 season for Florida State is four Saturdays away and fall practice in underway. The Seminoles begin the season ranked in the top 10 for the fourth time in six years under head coach Jimbo Fisher.
The offensive line may be the biggest question mark for FSU entering 2015, but the thinnest position is without question the linebacker position. Linebacker was an area the Seminoles struggled a season ago and staying healthy will be key. Here’s the names to know for 2015:
The Headliner
Terrance Smith, Redshirt Senior
A second team All-ACC performer, Terrance Smith is one of the few remaining starters from the 2013 national championship defense. Smith can go from sideline-to-sideline and finished with 87 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 2 forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions including one he returned 94 yards for a touchdown against Florida. Smith did struggle at times in pass coverage last season and missed two games to injury.
The Sleeper
Jacob Pugh, Sophomore
Sophomore Jacob Pugh might be in for a breakout season, but not in a conventional linebacker fashion. Listed at the “buck” position, Pugh will likely be used more in a pass-rushing role than out in space. At 6’4″ and 240 pounds, Pugh is deceptively quick and it would surprise few if he ranked among FSU’s leaders in sacks for 2015.
The Future
Sh’Mar Kilby-Lane, Freshman
A 4-star recruit and South Florida product, Sh’Mar Kilby-Lane is a speedy linebacker and a good tackler. Due to FSU’s lack of depth, Kilby-Lane may be forced into action earlier than some would like, but that could prove to be valuable experience for the future.
Other Names to Know
Reggie Northrup, Senior
The first Florida State player to record 100 tackles in a season since Buster Davis in 2006, Reggie Northrup hopes to return to form after suffering a severe knee injury in FSU’s 2014 finale against Oregon. Northrup struggled in pass coverage, but is a very good open-field tackler at 230 pounds. Northrup finished with 122 tackles as a junior with an interception, a sack and a fumble return for touchdown.
Matthew Thomas, Redshirt Sophomore
When on the field, Matthew Thomas is very good, but Thomas’ career has been plagued by injuries including one to his shoulder that could sideline him for the first half of 2015. Thomas can go sideline-to-sideline and has shown to be an excellent blitzer, but staying on the field has been an issue.
Delvin Purifoy, Redshirt Freshman
Delvin Purifoy missed all of last season with an ankle injury, but could be a big help to the Seminoles in 2015. Purifoy is big at 260 pounds and will likely do his best work against the run. A 4-star recruit out of high school, Purifoy is talented, but also unproven.
Overview
Like almost every other position for Florida State, there is no lack of talent when it comes to linebacker. Depth and injuries however, are a major concern. Virtually no one at the position has had great success staying healthy with Matthew Thomas, Reggie Northrup and Delvin Purifoy all coming off major injuries. Ro’Derrick Hoskins, Lorenzo Phillips and Tyrell Lyons are all guys who could provide depth, but the three have just 12 combined career tackles at the FBS level. If FSU suffers even one major injury at linebacker, that could spell big trouble.
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