Defensive Tackle Depth

As FSU fans we all understand the importance of the defense and how it must get improved fast in order to be the ACC Champion. Arguably the most important position on any defense is the DT. These huge athletes keep OL occupied so they don't get to the linebackers and the great ones disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage. The NFL pays huge dollars to these beasts for just this very reason and FSU has supplied many great ones over the years. It would appear that Florida State has some good ones coming back and just in the nick of time.

The DT rotation will be:

Moses McCray (Junior this fall) 6'2" 300lbs

Jacobbi McDaniel (Sophomore this fall) 6'0" expected to be no less than 285lbs by start of season.

Everett Dawkins (RS Sophomore this fall) 6'2" expected to be 285lbs by start of the season.

There are some DE on the roster that can be put at DT as well and they are:

Demonte McAllister (RS Freshman this fall) he was injured during his freshman year and I believe FSU red-shirted him but not absolutely 100% sure on this. 6'3" 263 lbs. We should find out by the spring what FSU's intentions are with this kid. He was as highly regarded out of high school as Jacobbi was. He will be special.

Incoming Recruits that are DT or can play both DT and DE. These kids will see the field this year and have to make significant contributions.

Damien Jacobs(Freshman) 6'3" 294lbs. He is the typical DT prospect that FSU will now look for and that is BIG, BIG, and BIG. FSU will not compromise Size, Strength, physical, and athletic ability at the DT anymore and they shouldn't have too. He will be a beast. Rumor has it he is mean and has a chip on his shoulder.

Darious Cummings (Freshman) 6'3" and is already at 270lbs. Florida State told him what they want their new DE to be at (270) and he is there. This allows him to play inside at DT if need as well.

Anthony McCloud (RS Sophomore JC Transfer) 6'3" 295lbs. Another typical DT recruit that fits FSU's new mold. He is already enrolled and is participating in the NEW AND IMPROVED Strength and Conditioning program. He will be a beast.

Here are some others recruited but one will definitely be red shirted and I expect the other one too due to his short time playing American Football. Both will contribute significantly just not this upcoming season.

Cameron Erving 6'5" 285lbs. Will easily be 310lbs by the time he sees the field after his RS Year.

Bjoern Werner 6'4" 264lbs. He can get to 290lbs if FSU wants him for DT but I expect him to stay around 275Lbs and stay at DE but he could contribute at both. He is from Germany and has limited American Football time but he is physical and is a beast so the red shirt may not be given to him.

Expected DT Starters (Denoted by *) and Rotation with some emergency players as well.

Moses McCray *
Jacobbi McDaniel *
Everette Dawkins
Anthony Mcloud
Damien Jacobs

Emergency DT
Darious Cummings
Demonte McAllister

I give the DT a grade of (B) going into the Spring. It would be nice to have two more on the roster above 6'0" and 300lbs for more depth. FSU may add one more prior to the season starting in Junior College DT Charles Deas who is 6'5" 315lbs. He needs to finish his Associates Degree and I haven't heard any word on his progress.