Over the coming weeks, we'll be examining each position on the Florida State football team -- evaluating what went right and wrong in 2017, and what's in store for the Seminoles under a new coaching staff in 2018.
First up is FSU's linebacker position, which will have an entirely new look this fall.
State of the Program: Linebackers
2017 SUMMARY
As has been the case for several years now, Florida State got hit-or-miss production from its linebackers during the 2017 season.
At times, senior weakside linebacker Matthew Thomas was very good; he ranked first on the team with 85 total tackles despite not playing in the bowl game. At other times, there were familiar questions about his decision-making and effort. Fellow seniors Ro’Derrick Hoskins and Jacob Pugh produced very few impact plays despite being returning starters at their positions.
Hoskins, the middle linebacker, finished with 44 tackles and only 1.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Pugh, the strongside linebacker, recorded just 21 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. Both also dealt with injuries and played in only 11 games.
HIGHLIGHT OF 2017
In the Florida game, Pugh got FSU on the scoreboard first with a fumble recovery and a 16-yard return for a touchdown. That gave the Seminoles an early 7-0 lead, and Thomas would late record an interception that would essentially seal the victory. FSU had just taken a 31-16 lead, and Thomas intercepted a first-down pass from Feleipe Franks on the ensuing drive. That play set the Seminoles up for a 38-16 lead in what would go on to be a 38-22 victory.
LOWLIGHT OF 2017
The linebackers were a total non-factor in the Miami game. Thomas and Pugh each finished with two tackles apiece, and middle linebacker Dontavious Jackson had one. The entire linebacker group recorded just five tackles in the 24-20 loss.
