Florida State's 15 spring practices were the first to show how the Seminoles plan to rebuild a defense that was elite in 2023. That point was further proven over the weekend as five members of the unit were selected in the NFL Draft and three others were selected by the franchise as undrafted free agents.
Despite the loss, it was clear throughout March and April that Florida State and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller still had a lot of work to do. While many returning players have started to take the next step, several transfer players have come in and asserted themselves early on.
Read more: FSU football adds 5 picks on Day 2 of NFL Draft, reaching No. 300 all-time
This spring, 22 different players forced turnovers across FSU's defense. Check out the final leadership, which has no football record until the preseason.
— DB Jabrill Rawls (5): 3 interceptions (1 in scrimmage No. 2, 2 in practice No. 10), 2 force-down stops (1 pass breakup in scrimmage No. 1, 1 in scrimmage No. 2)
— DB Conrad Hussey (4): 4 interceptions (2 in 2nd practice, 1 in 6th practice, 1 in 9th practice)
— DB Greedy Vance (4): 3 interceptions (1 in 1 practice, 1 in 2 practices, 1 in 9 practices), 1 forced fumble (6 practices)
— LB Justin Cryer (3): 3 interceptions (1 in 3 practices, 1 in 6 practices, 1 in 12 practices)
— LB AJ Cottrill (3): 2 fumble recoveries (1 in 1st practice, 1 in 1st scrimmage), 1 forced fumble (1 in 1st practice)
— DB Fentrell Cypress II (2): 2 interceptions (1 in 1st practice, 1 in 1st scrimmage)
— DB Ashlind Barker (2): 1 interception (Practice No. 3), 1 forced fumble (Scrimmage No. 1)
— DB Charles Lester III (2): 2 interceptions (1 in scrimmage No. 2, 1 in practice No. 13)
— DB Kai Bates (2): 2 interceptions (1 in 5 practices, 1 in 12 practices)
— DB Azaleye Thomas (2): 1 interception (practice number 13), 1 fumble recovery (practice number 9)
— DB Shyheim Brown (1): 1 interception (practice number 12)
— DB Earl Little Jr. (1): 1 interception (Practice 3)
— DB Quindarius Jones (1): 1 interception (Practice 1)
— DB Davonte Brown (1): 1 interception (No. 1 from scrimmage)
— DB Edwin Joseph (1): 1 interception (Practice 2)
— DB Christian White (1): 1 interception (Practice No. 5)
— DE Byron Turner Jr. (1): 1 interception (Practice 2)
— LB Ashton Bracewell (1): 1 interception (Practice 2)
— LB Blake Nichelson (1): 1 forced fumble (practice number 9)
— DE Xavier Perkins (1): 1 fumble recovery (practice part 2)
— DT Grady Kelly (1): 1 FG block (scrimmage No.1)
— DT KJ Sampson (1): One Safety (Practice 9)
Read more: FSU ad Michael Alford could hint at Big Ten move during Chicago Boosters event
continue nord game day We'll have more in-depth coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.
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