Florida State experienced a series of unexpected departures during the recent NCAA Transfer Portal window. Among these departures, the most significant was the potential loss of DJ Lundy, a rising redshirt senior linebacker who was expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s 2024 season following the graduations of Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune, who were moving on to their professional careers.
Initially, it appeared that Lundy had made a firm commitment to join Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes on Christmas Day. However, recent developments suggest that he may have had a change of heart and is leaning toward continuing his college career with the Florida State Seminoles.
This potential reversal of fortunes could be a game-changer for Florida State, especially considering that the team currently has only six scholarship linebackers. Among this group, the most experienced players are redshirt sophomore Omar Graham Jr., sophomore Blake Nichelson, and sophomore Justin Cryer. Graham Jr. notably concluded the 2023 season with 23 tackles and two tackles for loss.
During his redshirt junior campaign, Lundy made appearances in 13 games, with four starts, and showcased his skills with impressive statistics, amassing 54 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, and four pass deflections. He made the decision to sit out the Orange Bowl to explore his future options. Lundy’s presence on the field has been consistent, with over 380 defensive snaps in each of the past three seasons in Tallahassee.
Hailing from Georgia, Lundy has been a fixture in the Seminoles’ lineup, featuring in 45 games with 17 starts, and contributing significantly with 183 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, eight pass deflections, and one interception over his four-year tenure with the team. In 2023, he achieved a career-high with six tackles for loss, two sacks, and his first college-level interception.
The decision for Lundy to potentially remain with Florida State takes on added significance with the Seminoles securing a late victory over Colorado. This turn of events means that a veteran defender will return to a position that was arguably one of the weakest on the roster. Lundy’s comeback provides a much-needed boost to the Seminoles’ defense. Additionally, the coaching staff has been actively pursuing transfers at the linebacker position, even hosting official visits for former Syracuse linebacker Stefon Thompson and former Charlotte linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green last weekend.
With the recent influx of talent through the transfer portal and the promising retention efforts in Tallahassee, there is a palpable sense of excitement building for Florida State early in the offseason.
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