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Why Florida State football's D-line starting to look dominant recently? Adam Fuller explains

peter holland jr., tallahassee democrat
·5 min read
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Florida State football's defensive line has a philosophy that says players must earn the right to be in pass-rushing situations. And it must carry this mindset into every game.

In last Saturday's 14-9 victory over Cal, the unit finally displayed that approach. FSU coach Mike Norvell pointed out the group's 12 tackles for loss, which included seven sacks of Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

"I thought our defensive line showed up and was productive and impactful," Norvell said. "I think we had 12 TFLs in the game. That was a huge part of the game."

FSU improved to 1-3 and is looking to continue its momentum at SMU Saturday at 8 p.m. on the ACC Network.

The Seminoles have 13 sacks this season to rank No. 7 nationally. FSU's defensive coordinator, Adam Fuller, was pleased by the effort from his D-line and expects more from the group.

"Whenever you get seven or six sacks, it's usually how we play defense," Fuller said. "Some of them was pressure oriented from calling certain pressures."

"Some of was just guys winning one-on-ones, and if you're just going to be really good, and you're going to play great defense, you guys have to be able to rush the passer in just rush situations."

FSU's defensive tackle Joshua Farmer looks like his dominant self

In recent weeks, Joshua Farmer has looked almost unstoppable on the defensive tackle.

He has been disruptive in the backfield and played a part in why FSU didn't allow a touchdown on red zone drives against Cal. The All-ACC defensive lineman leads the Seminoles with six tackles for loss.. He is also tied for third with two sacks.

"He's a dominant defensive tackle," Fuller said. "He plays with the right technique at the pad level, and a lot of that had to do with just getting himself right with his hands, and he's just starting to see that."

Fuller believed Farmer started to look like his old self after struggling the first two weeks.

He also pointed out he missed extended time, which dates back to the Capital One Orange Bowl game against Georgia, and being unavailable for spring football due to a hand injury.

"He had to get back to playing the way he needed to play, and I just it happened sooner for him," Fuller said. "It wasn't because he just made a decision that he didn't want to do it, but I think we're seeing it."

Adam Fuller, John Papuchis thrilled for Marvin Jones Jr's performance

Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr. (7) pressures against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr. (7) pressures against the Memphis Tigers during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Expectations were high for FSU's edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr. after transferring from Georgia.

While he looked like he would exceed those expectations after a strong spring and fall camp, it wasn't translating on the field when it mattered.

Fuller saw the level of frustration from Jones but kept pushing him to be at his best every week.

Jones finally showed his potential last Saturday when he registered two sacks, which included a forced fumble late in the fourth quarter.

"I think he was more relieved, which I hate for him because I want him to enjoy everything about this wonderful game," Fuller said. "He's a wonderful, talented player. He does care about this football team, and he wants to have success, and it was good to see him have some."

Defensive end coach John Papuchis spoke more about the expectations for Jones and his slow start in the first weeks. He believes his two-sack performance could be a stepping stone for the rest of the season.

"Marvin has high expectations for himself, and we have high expectations for him," Papuchis said.

"Sometimes, when that is the case, you can press a little bit and stress about your statistical numbers and stuff like that. I think having some success in the game—creating two critical sacks and getting the ball out on one of them—hopefully, that's something we can build on."

Patrick Payton is no stranger to shoestring tackles

Oct 21, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Patrick Payton (11) celebrates a stop during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Patrick Payton (11) celebrates a stop during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Payton seems to have a knack for shoestring tackling.

Against Cal, the 6-foot-5 edge rusher made a touchdown-saving tackle in the fourth quarter after Mendoza was about to scramble when he found open field late in the fourth quarter.

Fuller said it reminded him of last season against Clemson, when Payton made a similar play that beat the Tigers at Death Valley. It also reminded him of what Payton is capable of doing every game.

"He's just got really good instincts," Fuller said. "He played really hard through that play, laid out, and gave everything he could. That's what big-time players need to do. They need to show up in those games."

Payton finished with three sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss, a career-best for the junior. He has four sacks this season, which ties him ninth in the country.

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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here's why FSU's defensive front has been dominant recently