Florida State landed a super-sized signing class of 32. But the Seminoles also went big up front, landing eight defensive linemen.
The group ranges from ends/edge rushers like Jalen Anderson, Cam Brooks, Chris Carbin and Jaemin Pinckney to likely tackles in Judah Daniels, Dammad Lewis, Franklin Whitley and Wihtley Cadeau. It’s the most defensive linemen the Seminoles signed in a single class since Mike Norvell arrived at FSU.
“When you look at just the versatility of those guys up front,” Norvell said. “Guys are at all different places. Some guys I think will have an opportunity to come in and maybe be an early impact. Some guys that have the right physical traits, skill ability. Looking forward to seeing their development in what they're able to do.”
Anderson (6-3, 235) is viewed as the No. 1 junior-college edge and No. 6 juco national prospect coming out of Pearl River (Miss.) Community College. He had 41 tackles, seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore.
Carbin (6-4, 236) is viewed as one of the top 75 edge rushers by the recruiting services. He had 55 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 11 sacks at Powder Springs (Ga.) Hillgrove. FSU was able to land Carbin after he decommitted from Georgia Tech in the fall.
Pinckney (6-5, 217) is a four-star prospect from Dorchester (S.C.) Woodland and flipped from South Florida to FSU. A two-time all-state linebacker, Pinckney is listed as a defensive lineman by FSU and is a candidate to play jack (third- and fourth-down pass rusher). Florida State was impressed by his senior film, which was a notable jump in production from his previous two years.
Brooks (6-3, 225) was committed to California but the four-star prospect backed off in November after the Bears dismissed coach Justin Wilcox. At Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central, Brooks had 10.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a senior. Brooks was considered a fringe five-star talent before being injured most of his junior year. FSU recruited Brooks heavily before a messy parting of ways in the spring. Time heals all wounds, however, as FSU was in contact behind the scenes through most of the fall.
“There was a change in place and coaching staff where he was committed,” Norvell said. “I think it opened his eyes to different opportunities. A guy that I think has a high ceiling. A senior year, over 10 sacks, was healthy through the season, excited about adding him.”
FSU landed four defensive linemen that likely project as tackles or strongside defensive ends in coordinator Tony White’s adaptable 3-3-5 scheme.
Lewis (6-4, 265) is viewed as among the top 50 edge rushers in the class by 247Sports and Rivals. He had 42 tackles and four sacks in a 10-game senior season. The Charlotte (N.C.) Myers Park standout is the younger brother of Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Damien Lewis.
Whitley (6-6, 265) had 39 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and three sacks. Whitley is relatively new to football after standing out on the basketball court, helping Greenville (S.C.) Senior win a state title in his junior season (he averaged 9.4 points and 8.6 rebounds). Whitley moves well in space for his size, but will need to be developed his first few years on campus.
Cadeau (6-5, 295) had 39 tackles and five tackles for loss at Atlanta Booker T. Washington. His ranking fluctuated from No. 40 by ESPN to No. 71 by 247Sports. He was under-recruited and identified by defensive line coach Terrance Knighton prior to the summer.
Daniels (6-3, 265) had 71 tackles and seven sacks as a senior, including five in one game. The Lehigh Acres standout is rated just inside the top 1,000 by Rivals and is viewed as a developmental prospect. That said, Daniels is transitioning from offensive line to defensive line and is already showing impressive burst as an interior defensive lineman.
Norvell pointed to linemen fitting “certain needs” and it’s clear the coaches found ends and tackles that fit White’s adaptable front. They’re joining an FSU front and scheme that has shown what freshmen like Mandrell Desir, Darryll Desir and Kevin Wynn can do as freshmen.
“I think this group of defensive linemen have extremely high ceilings,” Norvell said. “Some of these guys will be able to come in and I absolutely believe will help impact here early in their career. And they've seen it done. Look at Mandrell, Darryll and even for Kevin and the four games he played in. They see the production that can be had by freshmen. And they want to be a part of that, as well as leaving their mark here, within this program.”
Norvell and FSU’s coaches will no doubt evaluate their transfer portal options in January, especially with the centerpiece of the line (Darrell Jackson) out of eligibility and a potential top-50 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The ability to retain younger linemen, plus a veteran like Daniel Lyons, must be weighed. FSU will also return an edge/jack with significant upside in Amaree Williams.
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