As fall camp approaches for the Florida State Seminoles, starting on July 29, the Seminoles linebacking corps will be in search of enchancment over final season.
Coach Mike Norvell raided the switch portal for some assist in that regard, and landed a tackling machine that was top-of-the-line at his place final season. This will be one of many strongest items on the staff.
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Chris Jones
A switch from Southern Miss, Chris Jones averaged 10 tackles per recreation on his manner to 135 complete stops final season. That was ok for No. 7 within the FBS. Now he comes to Tallahassee to show he can replicate that manufacturing at a Power 4 program.
Jones posted eight video games with double-digit tackles for the Golden Eagles, together with a season-high 15 tackles in opposition to Louisiana Tech and Texas State. For his efforts, Jones earned first-team All-Sunbelt honors. Jones has the potential to be top-of-the-line linebackers ever to play at Florida State.
Blake Nichelson
Playing in 12 video games final season, Blake Nichelson began the ultimate six video games of the season. Nichelson posted 43 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble restoration, and recorded a season-high seven tackles in opposition to Clemson.
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Omar Graham Jr.
Last season, Omar Graham performed in 12 video games and began 5 for the Seminoles. He recorded 38 tackles, together with a season-high eight tackles in opposition to Stanford.
Caleb LaVallee
A switch from North Carolina, Caleb LaVallee missed the entire 2025 season due to damage. Once he arrived at Florida State, LaVallee carried out properly in spring apply and Norvell raved about LaVallee’s athleticism.
Ashlyn Barker
Ashlynd Barker is listed as a defensive again, however will play rover this season, which is a hybrid security/linebacker function. Barker was second on the staff with 48 tackles in 2025.
Karon Maycock
Playing as a real freshman this season, Karon Maycock had a terrific spring apply the place he confirmed off his playmaking abilities for the teaching employees. He selected the Seminoles over provides from Florida, Syracuse, Alabama and Texas. Maycock totaled 149 tackles, 36 tackles for loss and 9 sacks throughout his prep profession at Miami Central High School.
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During his recruitment, he was wanted as a security, however Norvell signed him as a linebacker. Maycock may see the sphere a lot earlier than anticipated if he continues to rapidly study the school recreation.
This is without doubt one of the deeper place teams on the staff and Norvell is happy about what the linebacking corps can accomplish on the sphere in 2026. When fall camps begins on the finish of this month, Norvell will discover out simply how far this group has come since spring apply and summer time exercises.
Florida State kicks off the 2026 season once they host New Mexico State on August 29.
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