The FSU Seminoles are replacing several key pieces of their defensive line, and they are counting on several returning players to take on larger roles this season. While the group lacks proven stars, FSU quarterback Ashton Daniels is extremely confident in the group.
Daniels was asked on Wednesday about how the defensive line is pressuring him and the rest of the offense. While his response started out tame, with him saying they have some "freaks" and complimenting Mandrell and Darryll Desir, the final part of his response raised some eyebrows, with him saying he believes they will be the best in the ACC.
"They're sharpening our O-line because I truly believe that we are going to have the best D-line in the ACC," he said. "I think there's no doubt
about that. So just our guys being able to go against that every single day, it's the iron sharpens iron mentality, I think it is really going to make our team better."
It would be a massive step for the group to take, especially with Darrell Jackson Jr. now in the NFL. While the Desir twins can play all over and impressed as freshmen, they will need to go from promising young players to stars for the group to be among the better defensive lines in the ACC, let alone the best.
The group also lacks a proven pass-rusher, something they attempted to fix this offseason by bringing in Rylan Kennedy and Jalen Anderson, plus adding Nick Williams as their edge and pass-rushing coach. While Williams was complimentary of both players earlier this week, they have yet to prove they can do it at this level.
Kennedy, the expected starter, was a rotational player for the Texas A&M Aggies the past three seasons, recording 3.5 sacks, 40 tackles, and 5.5 tackles for loss in 37 career games. Anderson was the best edge prospect in the junior college ranks last season, but that is a big step up in competition.
The interior of the defensive line also has some questions, with Kevin Wynn and Daniels Lyons both set to start. Wynn struggled to stay on the field as a true freshman last year, but has transformed his body and could be a star. Lyons has flashed during his time at FSU, but never put it together for an extended stretch.
The Seminoles have plenty of talented players along the defensive line, but they lack proven players, something that will have to change for them to back up Daniels' claim and cement themselves as the best in the ACC.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Ashton Daniels believes FSU has the best defensive line in the ACC
