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FSU Defensive Ends: A Work In Progress

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As first discussed here by Bud earlier this week in his Will Mark Stoops Bring The Pass Rush Back To Florida State?, both Ira Schoffel and Andrew Carter have written about our less than stellar defensive end play last season and some of the things D.J. Eliot is doing to get the DE's back to the level of our some of our past greats. Some quotes from Ira's story I found interesting include; "Of the Seminoles' 26 total sacks last fall, a grand total of four — yes, four — were recorded by defensive ends. Two were recorded by former Seminole Kevin McNeil and two were tallied by Markus White, a rising senior." And as we have discussed here many times, "Along with improving their pass-rushing fundamentals, Eliot also is focusing on helping the defensive ends play better in run support. In 2009, FSU's ends often seemed to rush too far upfield and would lose contain of opposing running backs. While part of that was a result of poor fundamentals, White said it also stemmed from an undisciplined mindset." Also, Said Jenkins: "We're more physical right now than last year." And, "And he (White) is perhaps most excited about lining up this spring at his old left end position. FSU had him on the right side each of the past two seasons." Finally, from AC's Chopping Block, we might be starting to see how the depth chart at DE could possibly sort itself out. White, a rising senior, likely has the left DE spot wrapped up. But the other side is wide open. Rising sophomore Brandon Jenkins has been working there, among others. Jenkins, listed at 234 pounds, likely needs to get bigger, though. Jenkins enrolled early and a productive spring last year, but then was lost in the shuffle during the season. "I was nervous – a true freshman," Jenkins said. "But as the season went on, I went and got better. I got comfortable." In addition to Jenkins, Dan Hicks is also working at right end, coach Jimbo Fisher said. Click here to read Ira's full story. Click here to read AC's full story.