Florida State fans, frustrated by an 0-3 start, are seeking a youth movement. The Seminoles have already put it on display on defense as seven players who saw significant playing time are in their second years on campus.
The most notable shift in playing time has been sophomore linebacker Justin Cryer, who did not play on defense in the opener but has since participated in 72 snaps in the last two games. Cryer is FSU’s top-rated defender by Pro Football Focus (75.9) and rates highest in coverage (74.6), just slightly better than cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.
“I do think Juice, in the last couple games when we’ve given him the opportunity, continues to gain confidence,” defensive coordinator Adam Fuller said. “That shows up in his execution."
Cryer now has 10 tackles along with an interception against Memphis, Florida State’s first takeaway of the 2024 season. He hasn’t started a game, but Cryer was in on roughly half of the snaps against Memphis (36 of 71).
Among the other second-year Seminoles who have played on defense, a mix of redshirt freshmen and true sophomores, are Blake Nichelson (started last two games), safety Conrad Hussey (also started vs. BC and Memphis) and safety K.J. Kirkland (made first start vs. Memphis). KJ Sampson has played 21 snaps at defensive tackle, and linebacker DeMarco Ward played 13 of his 14 snaps this season against Memphis. Defensive backs who have seen playing time include Quindarrius Jones, Edwin Joseph and Ja’Bril Rawls.
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The most notable shift in playing time has been sophomore linebacker Justin Cryer, who did not play on defense in the opener but has since participated in 72 snaps in the last two games. Cryer is FSU’s top-rated defender by Pro Football Focus (75.9) and rates highest in coverage (74.6), just slightly better than cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.
“I do think Juice, in the last couple games when we’ve given him the opportunity, continues to gain confidence,” defensive coordinator Adam Fuller said. “That shows up in his execution."
Cryer now has 10 tackles along with an interception against Memphis, Florida State’s first takeaway of the 2024 season. He hasn’t started a game, but Cryer was in on roughly half of the snaps against Memphis (36 of 71).
Among the other second-year Seminoles who have played on defense, a mix of redshirt freshmen and true sophomores, are Blake Nichelson (started last two games), safety Conrad Hussey (also started vs. BC and Memphis) and safety K.J. Kirkland (made first start vs. Memphis). KJ Sampson has played 21 snaps at defensive tackle, and linebacker DeMarco Ward played 13 of his 14 snaps this season against Memphis. Defensive backs who have seen playing time include Quindarrius Jones, Edwin Joseph and Ja’Bril Rawls.
There are growing pains, but young players developing on FSU's defense
Justin Cryer, Blake Nichelson, Conrad Hussey, KJ Kirkland and KJ Sampson among second-year Seminoles to see the field.
