If Jeremy Pruitt makes it work, FSU's defense will come at opponents like a crossfire hurricane

Here's no. 3 in the series as Lilburn Nole answers the questions that loomed before FSU's spring practice.

by Lilburn Nole

#3 Defensive Strategy Changes

Change is coming on defense, at least that is the word after FSU's spring practices, and it wasn't quite a close kept secret like I expected. In the preview, I had suggested that we would see a more aggressive style defenses with more blitz packages, but ended the preview with this paragraph:

"Unfortunately, it may be difficult to get a good read on a defensive strategy in the spring as practices are closed and the spring game will most likely feature more vanilla calls both offensively and defensively. However, pay close attention to the player interviews and you may be able to gain an insight into what is being worked on and discussed in practices."

It was true that most practices were closed, but there was a bit more blitzing in the Spring Game than I expected. Jimbo Fisher let the cat out of the bag in the post game press conference with this answer to a question with a bit of a laugh and telling smile, "You think you saw blitzing today? Y'all ain't seen nothing yet."

That was basically the final nail after a spring of player quotes indicating a much more aggressive defensive strategy with an assortment of looks. Christian Jones also offered a quote along the same lines after the game, "We showed pretty much the basic stuff. When the fall comes, you guys will be able to see everything." Lamarcus Joyner put his stamp on this question as well laughing, "Y'all didn't see anything. Trust me. Y'all didn't see Coach Pruitt strike a match. Y'all didn't see anything!"

So, what didn't we see? Well, we won't be able to fully answer that question until the season rolls aroun,d but based on player interviews during spring and the occasional practice that was open enough for media to get a glimpse I'll offer up some speculation. The worst kept secret is that we will see Christian Jones after the quarterback much more that we've seen in the past. A long, athletic linebacker, Jones has the ability to put his hand on the ground and come off the edge and, hopefully, give defenses fits.

In addition, I would expect to see more defensive backs bringing pressure, particularly Karlos Williams in a LB/S hybrid spot at times and Lamarcus Joyner off of the slot in the nickel packages. Zone blitzes with a defensive end dropping into coverage and some 3-4 looks with either an extra linebacker or an extra defensive back and Karlos Williams sliding up are another couple of things I think we'll see this fall.

Is this a good thing? Only time will tell, but I'll give a classic yes and no answer. Yes, bringing pressure is good as it should force the opposing quarterback into some quicker, poorer decisions that hopefully lead to more turnovers. The offensive line and the quarterback should have a difficult time figuring out where pressure is coming from and that can help to disrupt the timing and confidence. It also prevents long developing pass routes and forces a defense to turn a short route into a first down on 3rd and long. However, bringing more than 4 or 5 can also expose you to hot routes and single coverage.

Also, is the reason we're blitzing because we can't generate pressure with our front four? Historically, FSU has put pressure on the QB with outstanding rushers at the end position. While Alabama has shown in the past few years you can have an outstanding defense without consistent pressure from your ends, it'll be something that FSU has to prove.

What I can guarantee is that FSU fans should be excited to see the changes this fall and that, at the very least, it'll make for an entertaining brand of defensive football. Personally, I think FSU will show a drop off defensively this season, but only to the 10-15 range. If that drop off coincides with an increase in turnovers than any effect on the games will be most negligible.