As fall camp approaches for the Florida StateSeminoles, beginning on July 29, the Seminoles linebacking corps will belooking for improvement over last season. Coach Mike Norvell raided thetransfer portal for some help in that regard, and landed a tackling machinethat was one of the best at his position last season. This will be one of thestrongest units on the team.ChrisJonesA transfer from Southern Miss, Chris Jones averaged 10tackles per game on his way to 135 total stops last season. That was goodenough for No. 7 in the FBS. Now he comes to Tallahassee to prove he canreplicate that production at a Power 4 program. Jones posted eight games with double-digit tackles forthe Golden Eagles, including a season-high 15 tackles against Louisiana Techand Texas State. For his efforts, Jones earned first-team All-Sunbelt honors.Jones has the potential to be one of the best linebackers ever to play at FloridaState.BlakeNichelsonPlaying in 12 games last season, Blake Nichelsonstarted the final six games of the season. Nichelson posted 43 tackles, 6.5tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery, and recorded a season-highseven tackles against Clemson.OmarGraham Jr.Last season, Omar Graham played in 12 games andstarted five for the Seminoles. He recorded 38 tackles, including a season-higheight tackles against Stanford. CalebLaValleeA transfer from North Carolina, Caleb LaVallee missedall of the 2025 season due to injury. Once he arrived at Florida State,LaVallee performed well in spring practice and Norvell raved about LaValleesathleticism.AshlynBarkerAshlynd Barker is listed as a defensive back, but willplay rover this season, which is a hybrid safety/linebacker role. Barker was secondon the team with 48 tackles in 2025. KaronMaycockPlaying as a true freshman this season, Karon Maycockhad a great spring practice where he showed off his playmaking skills for thecoaching staff. He chose the Seminoles over offers from Florida, Syracuse,Alabama and Texas. Maycock totaled 149 tackles, 36 tackles for loss and ninesacks during his prep career at Miami Central High School. During his recruitment, he was sought after as asafety, but Norvell signed him as a linebacker. Maycock could see the fieldmuch sooner than expected if he continues to quickly learn the college game.This is one of the deeper position groups on the teamand Norvell is excited about what the linebacking corps can accomplish on thefield in 2026. When fall camps begins at the end of this month, Norvell willfind out just how far this group has come since spring practice and summerworkouts.Florida State kicks off the 2026 season when they hostNew Mexico State on August 29. Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!