Florida State defensive end Tank Carradine started the season on the bench, behind highly heralded preseason All-American Brandon Jenkins.
But Carradine has been incredible since entering the starting lineup in Week 2, and is the choice this week as the ACC player to transform tomorrow. Why? Not only has Carradine put together some strong performances, there should be some favorable matchups this weeked against NC State.
The Wolfpack have been hit by a series of injuries to one of the most experienced lines in the nation, and got even more bad news headed into Saturday. Guard Zach Allen (foot) is out for the season, while tackle Rob Crisp (back) and guard Andrew Wallace (foot) will also miss the game. Crisp has only play in one game this season; Wallace will now miss his second straight game.
NC State will start its fourth different offensive line, and that plays right into the Seminoles' hands. This defensive front has not missed a beat with Carradine, who had a team-high nine tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble against USF last week. He picked up his second ACC Player of the Week honor with his effort.
Through five games, Carradine leads the Seminoles with 28 tackles and seven sacks. His eight tackles for loss puts him right behind teammate Bjoern Werner.
Despite his impressive performance to date, coach Jimbo Fisher believes Carradine can do more. He said Carradine had a few "boo-boos" against USF in addition to the big plays that were made.
"Tank is a phenomenal player," Fisher said this week. "But, being an every down player and a starter, there’s a lot of little things that goes within the teamwork of the defense. He’s a phenomenal player, don’t get me wrong, but you have to be more consistent for a longer period of time. He went from 30 plays a game, to 60 plays a game. That’s a big difference. He’s doing some excellent things and he’s going to have a long career in this game."
