Ranking the Best and Worst Units on Florida State

The Seminoles have had some disappointing losses this season, but they have also accomplished a few things. They could be looking for their fourth straight victory over an SEC opponent, and they have also had consecutive seasons of defeating the Gators and 'Canes.

There are a few units that have been extremely productive and impressive, but there also has been a few that did not reach the high expectations that some of us put on this squad.

One more victory in the postseason, and the Seminoles will post another nine-plus win season and the program has an unbelievably bright future, with Jimbo Fisher landing a boatload of future Garnet and Gold stars.

Defensive Line

Bjoern Werner and Brandon Jenkins have nearly been unblockable all season as they have totaled for 13 of the 36 sacks on the season.

Florida State finished tied for first in the country in sacks last year (48, Boise State) and they are tied for fifth this season in sacks (36, Illinois & Pittsburgh).

The edge rushers rank arguably among the top five in the nation, but the interior line still has some work to do. However, it is not like talent is not there.

Timmy Jernigan has been fabulous for a freshman along with Everette Dawkins and Anthony McCloud. Plus, Jacobbi McDaniel will be back next season along with a host of younsters.

The great Phil Steele had this unit ranked number one in the nation back in the pe-season for good reason, they are loaded with star talent. The true scary though is that next year they will only get better with every linemen back.

Linebackers

The entire linebacker corps will be back outside of Nigel Bradham (leading tackler). Christian Jones, Tevin Smith, Vince Williams and Jeff Luc have all play exceptionally well together this season.

The sky is the limit for that talented group, but the recruits will only help them play with more pageantry. Everybody on Mark Stoops' defense understand that there is no such thing as a safe starting gig once spring practice starts.

The recruits will be not loaded at linebacker (least not likely) because of the great depth they already have, but these four future All-ACC performer have the talent to start on any team in the country.

We see Alabama's linebackers make such an impact in the back seven of a spectacular defense and the Seminoles could provide that in the near future.

Offensive Line & Running Game

The team is ranked 100th in rushing and that is surely disappointing since they had a few returners back at offensive line. It goes to show how much Rodney Hudson and the likes of Ryan McMahon meant to the Seminoles. 

The Chris Thompson injury (neck) is certainly a scary situation, but the rest of the backfield has a ton of talent. Lonnie Pryor returning next season will help and so will the development of James Wilder Jr and Devonte Freeman. 

Those trio of backs should elevate the running game next along with a healthy E.J. Manuel, who has the talent to turn the corner on All-ACC greatness next season.

Secondary

That young talent has turned the corner into exceptional and veteran talent. Karlos Williams may start as a sophomore next season, but Greg Reid, Xavier Rhodes and LaMarcus Joyner could be three of the best defensive backs in the country next season.

The expectations will be high again with a likely top ten-15 pre-season ranking. However, it is never an easy thing to live up to the big hype.

Ranking 32nd in pass efficiency, 20th in pass defense, sixth in total defense and fourth in scoring defense speaks volumes about the steps that Mark Stoops has made. With nine expected starters back on defense, next season could be the magical season that some thought we'd see this year.