Defensive End Depth

One of the most glaring weaknesses for the Florida State Seminoles Defense was at the Defensive End position. The ends routinely lost containment and struggled to put together a consistent pass rush. FSU used linebackers to rush off the edge to get pressure on the QB and look for some of that this year as well.

What did Florida State do to address the weakness at Defensive End? First they hired a "real" defensive ends coach in D.J. Eliot. He will immediately correct the containment issue or I should say he better fix the containment issue. Another difference in philosophies is that Jimbo Fisher wants 270lb DE and to quote jimbo he wants "grown ass men". The following is the expected DE on the roster for next season:

Everett Dawkins : RS Sophomore 6'2" 258lbs will easily be 270lbs with the new Strength and conditioning improvements. He can play DT as well and will move there if depth becomes an issue but FSU likes him at the weak side DE.

Dan Hicks: Sophomore 6'4" 251lbs and should be around 265lbs by the time the season starts. Good athlete that was rated as a tight end but with D-Line depth an issue he will play there. Jury is out on his ability.

Jamar Jackson: RS Junior 6'4" 240lbs and should be 260lbs by the season opener. If Dawkins has to play DT look for Jackson to be the starter but right now he will probably backup the weak side DE. He needs to step up this year and have a great spring.

Brandon Jenkins: Sophomore 6'2" 240 lbs that should be around 260lbs by 2010 kickoff. Look for him to be the backup strong side DE. He is probably the typical speed pass rusher that FSU fans are used too. Very talented player who needs to get better fast.

Jonathan Johnson: RS Junior 6'6" 245lbs and should be 260lbs by the season. Not much info on this guy but he has a good frame and may become the biggest beneficiary to the new S&C program.

Demonte McAllister: RS Freshman 6'3" 263lbs. A true monster that was hampered by a knee injury which led to is red shirting. Depending on how big he gets he could play DT. This kid has NFL First Round potential and FSU needs to unleash him upon the ACC and UF.

Markus White' Senior 6'4" 261lbs. Projected as the starting Strong side DE. He should benefit greatly to having a real coach. he looked lost and confused on the field most of the time. He has an NFL body but a Mickey Mouse game. He needs to be a man this coming season. Not a given he is the starter considering the new coaches will play the best player not the best looking player in uniform.

Craig Yarborough RS Junior 6'2" 236lbs and will still be undersized at 255lbs if he gets that big. He plays with a good motor and never quits but is not a FSU Caliber DE.

Incoming Freshman:

Darious Cummings 6'3" and reports are he is now 270lbs of solid muscle. His Dad is very involved with him in a good way. He will play right way in the D-Line rotation even some at DT. Future STUD!

Bjoern Werner 6'4" 264lbs. See what Fisher means as "grown ass men" coming into FSU. These two freshman DE are monsters. I think Werner will Red shirt to get him acclimated to college ball. He has only played American Football a couple of years. Solid Upside.

Projected Starters:

Weak side DE: Everett Dawkins
Strong side DE: Markus White (He better be improved or he won't be)

DE that will be in the rotation and get solid playing time:

Jamar Jackson
Brandon Jenkins
Demonte McAllister
Darious Cummings

I give the DE grade a (C-). I am sorry but all I have in my head writing this article is the lack of pass rush and zero containment all year. To be honest with you a (C-) is probably generous but I am going to let FSU DE earn a better grade by proving it and not based on ability. This group must be better in order for FSU to be ACC Champions.