As Florida State University (FSU) gears up for the 2024 season, the defensive tackle (DT) position is undergoing significant changes as the team grapples with the departure of several key players. With the loss of four out of the top five DTs from last season's impressive roster, FSU is looking to fill the void left by the departure of talented and productive players who played a crucial role in the team's Top 10 national defense.

Among the departing players is second-round draft pick Braden Fiske, who made a significant impact during his time at FSU. Additionally, multi-year starter Fabien Lovett has also moved on from the team, leaving a significant gap in the DT room. The loss of two rotational players, Dennis Briggs and Malcolm Ray, who entered the Transfer Portal, further depletes the team's depth that played a crucial role in their undefeated regular season last year. Collectively, these four departures contributed nearly 1,250 snaps in the previous season, making their replacements a significant challenge for the team.

However, there is optimism within the FSU camp that the depth and athleticism of the team's DTs could be even better in 2024. Leading the charge are Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson, both products of Gadsden County and close friends, who are expected to step up as tone setters for the team. Farmer, who ascended to a starting role last season, showcased impressive growth and became an impactful 1-tech player for the Seminoles. Despite facing a hand injury that hindered his performance, Farmer is expected to return at full strength and could prove to be a formidable force inside this season.

Another player to watch is Kelly, a transfer from Colorado State, who is expected to see increased playing time early in the season. While viewed as a player with a higher floor but lower ceiling, Kelly adds valuable depth to the DT position. The team is also intrigued by the potential of Durojaiye, a transfer from West Virginia, who brings a combination of power and athleticism. Although relatively raw and adjusting to an interior position, Durojaiye's performance has shown high variance, presenting the possibility of him becoming an impactful interior pass rusher for FSU, with NFL potential.

The wait is finally over for Jackson, who had to sit out last season, save for the bowl game, due to NCAA transfer rules. Standing at an imposing 6-6 and weighing 330 pounds, Jackson's physical build alone has garnered attention from scouts. While he still has areas of refinement in his game, FSU believes that Jackson is trending in the right direction and expects him to become an all-conference performer.

Additionally, Lyons, a valuable rotational piece, is expected to double his snap count this season as the DT3. The team is hoping that Lyons demonstrates growth and proves that he is ready to become a full-time starter in the future. While there were some concerns about his performance in the spring, FSU believes that Lyons has the potential to be a quick and strong interior pass rusher.

Head coach and staff at FSU are banking on the combination of upside and depth to offset the challenges posed by the departures. The team acknowledges the potential for this group to be elite, with a diverse skill set and a blend of experience and promise throughout the position group. Despite the departures, FSU's DT position remains strong, with NFL prospects in Jackson and Farmer leading the charge. The team believes that consistent play from these players, accompanied by the right pieces around them, will maintain the group's effectiveness.

Overall, FSU expects their DT position to remain a formidable force in the 2024 season, despite the departures of key veterans. With Jackson and Farmer at the forefront, FSU will rely on their power and ability to control the trenches. The team will also depend on strong contributions from backups like Kelly, Lyons, Sampson, and Durojaiye to provide quality snaps and allow the starters to rest. As the season approaches, FSU remains confident in the capabilities of their revamped DT room to continue their success on the defensive front.