Getting to the quarterback was an area where Florida State had to improve heading into 2015 and early on, it has.
Last season, the Seminoles ranked just 108th in the country with just 17 total sacks in 14 games. Though the season is young, FSU is on pace to easily eclipse that total.
Florida State has faced three run-centric offenses so far, but still has six sacks — an average of two per game.
The pass-rush has been largely fueled by young edge-rushers like freshman defensive end Josh Sweat and sophomore linebacker Jacob Pugh. Upperclassmen like DeMarcus Walker and Giorgio Newberry have spent some time both inside and outside, but a deep defensive line — namely edge position players — looks to be on the verge of getting deeper.
It was reported Tuesday that defensive ends Lorenzo Featherston and Chris Casher had returned to practice after nursing knee injuries. Featherston missed the first three games for FSU while Casher had not played since the season-opener against Texas State. Assuming, they’re ready to go for next week’s ACC contest against Wake Forest, it would serve as a case of the rich getting richer.
In limited time a season ago, Featherston finished with 5 tackles for loss. A bit undersized at 6’7″ and only 230 pounds, Featherston is a natural pass-rusher. As FSU gets set to face more pass-happy opponents, his presence will be welcomed for Charles Kelly’s defense.
One of the top defensive end recruits out of high school in 2012, redshirt junior Chris Casher has yet to reach his potential, but that could change as he works his way back into the lineup. At 6’4″ and 255 pounds, Casher could be used some inside in obvious passing situations. His return will also bring a veteran presence and some leadership to a relatively young position.
Featherston and Casher will have plenty of time to make sure they’re healthy since the Seminoles are idle this week. The two could get a lot of reps if they’re available for next week’s visit to Wake Forest. Through three weeks, the Demon Deacons have attempted more passes than any other team in the ACC.
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