FSU Fall Football Camp Preview: Safety Precautions

Defensive Ends

Linebackers

Corner defenders

— Davonte Brown, Redshirt Senior

After three seasons at UCF, Brown transferred to Miami for the 2023 college football season. His production dipped during his lone season with the Hurricanes and he now heads to Tallahassee with a chance to return to the form he showed while at UCF.

— Omarion Cooper, senior

Cooper spent the first two years of his career with the Seminoles before transferring to Colorado last spring. He had a solid season with the Buffaloes, but decided to return to where it all began. Cooper played safety before leaving Florida State. He could play there or at cornerback, depending on how the staff wants to utilize his skills.

— Shyheim Brown, Redshirt Junior

Brown is a consistent defender and a returning starter as a redshirt junior. He’ll lead the position group and potentially the defense as a whole as a key member of the stout 2023 defense. The sky’s the limit for Brown’s fourth season in Tallahassee, as he’s been with the program since 2021 and there could be another leap ahead.

— Conrad Hussey, sophomore

Hussey played 14 games in his freshman season and has a lot of potential for the 2024 college football season. He now has experience and another off-season under his belt, having totaled 22 tackles, one interception and two passes defensed last season. Hussey will need to be more consistent to beat out Davonte Brown for the starting role.

— Ashlynd Barker, sophomore

Barker was an incredible addition to Florida State as a JUCO recruit. He’ll find himself in contention for the second spot in the rotation behind Shyheim Brown, supporting him as he catches his breath at times. After making a bigger impact than expected last year, Barker has a chance to make a name for himself as a consistent face in the lineup.

— KJ Kirkland, Redshirt Freshman

At the bottom of the depth chart and as an underclassman, Kirkland is loaded with potential — he represents the true depth of the safety unit. All of the players in the position group can plug into the rotation and have a real impact on the team. Kirkland suffered an injury last year, but was impressive right before that. A full return to the field and a leap into the unknown could make the backup position battles interesting.

Who is the starting player next to Shyheim Brown?

Position battles are a big part of fall camp to watch, and there will certainly be one for the second starting position. Shyheim Brown has already locked up the starting position for the buck, but Davonte Brown and Conrad Hussey will likely battle it out for the bulk of the reps next season. Omarion Cooper could also be in the mix.

Brown, a transfer from Miami, could be used, but Hussey might be a better fit if he makes the jump heading into next season. Simply put, Brown offers a higher floor, but Hussey’s ceiling is immense. Cooper is familiar with the defensive system and was productive during his previous stint at Florida State.

A regular starter at this position would give the team some peace of mind going into the season, given the depth they will have regardless.

—Shyheim Brown

Since coming into the team in an impressive 2022 performance against LSU, Shyheim Brown has really established himself as a fixture on defense. With Akeem Dent headed to the NFL, Brown will now be the leader of the safeties group, with most of the position group being young — save for redshirt senior transfer Davonte Brown.

Brown had 53 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, four passes defensed and one interception during his 2023 campaign, which consisted of 14 games played. He’s not the oldest in the group, but the experience he gained in Tallahassee combined with his role on defense will make him a leader on the defensive side of the ball.

Deer Safety:

1. Shyheim Brown, RS Jr.

2. Ashlynd Barker, RS So.

3. KJ Kirkland, RS Pater.

Safety:

1. Davonte Brown, RS Sr./Conrad Hussey, So.

2. Omarion Cooper, Sr.

Fall camp will be exciting for position battles across the board, but the safety position in particular will be interesting. Shyheim Brown likely has one starting safety locked up, with two or three players lobbying for the second opening. Depth will also be strong, as there will be battles for the backup roles.

Overall, the safeties should have an incredible season, even after Florida State sent Akeem Dent to the NFL following their 12-0 regular season and 2023 ACC Championship win.

The Seminoles are looking to overhaul their entire roster after seeing many former players make their way to the professional level. It appears they can fill the safety position nicely heading into the 2024 season.

READ MORE: Houston Texans Sign Former FSU Football Star Running Back After Multiple Achilles Tendon Tears

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