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Florida State Football: 5 players trending up after spring 2019

By Connor Muldowney

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 27: Michael Walker #3 of the Boston College Eagles defends Khalan Laborn #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 27: Michael Walker #3 of the Boston College Eagles defends Khalan Laborn #4 of the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium on October 27, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Another true freshman who could have an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball is linebacker Jaleel McRae, a former four-star from the famed IMG Academy.

The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker has caught just about everyone’s attention this spring as a physical, well-built defender who can play on the outside or in the middle and become a true star.

In fact, Josh Newberg of 247Sports even dubbed McRae the Seminoles’ sleeper of spring ball, stating that he is the first inside linebacker that has star power for Florida State in quite some time.

"It’s been a few years since the Seminoles fielded an inside linebacker with legitimate star power, but freshman Jaleel McRae appears to be just that. McRae was making plays all over the field in the ‘Noles spring game. The freshman finished with 11 tackles (6 solo tackles), 0.5 TFL and a pass deflection. He might not earn a starting job to begin the season, but McRae will play meaningful snaps this year on defense."

Not many defenders can have that strong of a spring game even as upperclassmen, but McRae made 11 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup look easy. He showed flashes of what he can do in the future on the defensive side of the ball and there’s a chance he could ease into a prominent role at some point this season.

Remember this kid’s name as he could be the next great linebacker to come out of Tallahassee and he can help rejuvenate the defensive side of the ball.

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