Florida State Football: Way-too-Early 2022 Depth Chart Projection

Defensive Line

Starting Defensive Ends: Jared Verse and Dennis Briggs

Backups: Quashon Fuller and Derrick McClendon

Starting Defensive Tackles: Fabien Lovett and Robert Cooper

Backups: Jarrett Jackson and Malcolm Ray

The Florida State football defensive line is going to be missing the team’s best player from last season in Johnson. Johnson won the ACC defensive player of the year last season and his leadership and playmaking ability are going to be missed.

The Seminoles return some talented players and got one of the highest upside guys in the transfer portal to fill the hole Johnson leaves behind.

Albany transfer Jared Verse was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. While he is coming from an FCS program, his measurables and athleticism are off the charts. He has the talent to be an elite player and spring is going to be crucial to his development. The other end will likely be Dennis Briggs, who is replacing FSU’s other star pass rusher Keir Thomas.

On the interior, Robert Cooper and Fabian Lovett are both returning and hope to be productive starters this fall. Guys like Derrick McClendon and Quashon Fuller will be the main backups at the edge positions, while Jarrett Jackson and Malcolm Ray will be the main interior backups.

Don’t be surprised if Florida State looks for another addition at defensive end through the portal if none impress during the spring.