Florida State Football fall camp started yesterday! The Seminoles here are covered quite extensively, and 'Nole fans are right to be excited about this season. Yesterday, we covered the offense. So today, let's reign it in a little bit. Let's discuss the issues which are still unresolved for each position. I have included the depth chart from Seminoles.com, and have added the freshmen I mention in the article.

There aren't too many questions about defensive position battles. This is a very talented defense that will look to get more comfortable in its second year of a real scheme, and determine who the backups are. I am expecting the best defense since 2005 (Ernie Sims, Kam Wimbley, Lawrence Timmons, Broderick Bunkley, Antonio Cromartie, Pat Watkins and A.J. Nicholson).

Defensive Line

Will Tank Carradine challenge Bjoern Werner for the top spot at left end?  After spring I would have said no, as Werner won the spring MVP.  But Carradine has exploded in the weight program and is probably in line for a good bit of playing time regardless of starter status.

How many defensive tackles will see meaningful snaps? It will definitely be six, but could even be eight as Moses McCray practiced yesterday. The depth of this defensive front, which does not have a single senior, is insane.

Linebacker

Who wins the battle at Mike linebacker?  We've pontificated that FSU will likely use a platoon here each week based on the opposing offense.  Telvin Smith should be better against spread offenses (early in the year), while a bigger backer should be used against pro-style offenses later in the season.  And that brings up a great point: Jeff Luc.  We know Vince Williams is in the mix to start at Mike, but Luc was listed on the most recent depth chart as the backup at Will. This isn't that big of a deal, because the Will in the over front is basically a second Mike, and in 2012 Luc will be absorbing blocks and letting Telvin roam free.

Defensive Back

Who will win the free safety job (traditional strong safety spot)? FSU's safeties played poorly last year, and as a result, Lamarcus Joyner locked down a starting job this spring patrolling center field.  Terrance Parks and Nick Moody will have to battle for the other safety spot, which means playing down in the box.  Neither are superstars and the position will be decided not on who makes big plays, but rather on who most consistently plays his assignment.  There are stars on this defense.  Let the stars make the plays.  Guys like Parks and Moody just need to consistently not make mistakes.   

And that's another thing that really stands out to me.  Some guys on this defense still think they are superstars when they are not.  If they want to play, they will need to focus on playing sound, fundamental, assignment-based football.  FSU now has the depth to sit guys who don't get it.  Let the stars make the plays.