State of the Program: DTs -- Loaded with veterans, seeking more production

2017 SUMMARY

This group was solid and perhaps the most consistent unit of the defense in 2017, but it wasn't quite as dominant as many expected given the vast amount of depth and experience. Senior starter Derrick Nnadi had a very good season, racking up 53 tackles, including 10 behind the line of scrimmage. But he and fellow starter Demarcus Christmas also had some games where they were not very disruptive.

As with the defensive ends, it might be unfair to judge this group based on a lack of big plays since they often were asked to engage offensive linemen and read and react, as opposed to shooting gaps like old-style Florida State defenses. But they also were on the front line of a veteran defense that ranked only 37th nationally in yards allowed per carry at 3.78, and they ranked in a tie for 52nd in rushing touchdowns allowed (19).

HIGHLIGHT OF 2017

The season opener against Alabama. Even though the outcome was a disappointment, Florid State's 2017 defensive front never looked better against a quality opponent than it did in that game. Led by Nnadi's six tackles and a very active game from linebackers Matthew Thomas and Ro'Derrick Hoskins, the Seminoles limited Alabama's power rushing attack and kept the game close until FSU's special teams and offense completely fell apart in the second half.