Florida State made several key additions in the transfer portal this offseason, including linebacker Tatum Bethune.

Bethune arrived in Tallahassee after breaking out as one of the best linebackers in the Group of 5 last season for Central Florida. He recorded 108 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble.

FSU needs Bethune to have a big season, and then early reviews in fall camp have been good.

Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller spoke with reporters on Saturday and he had plenty of praise for his new linebacker.

“He flashed today,” Fuller said. “His physicality on these scrimmages definitely showed up. He’s a good player. He’s mature, smart, and has a good command of things.

“I love when he asks questions. He’s very simple in asking. You give him one word, something he can assimilate to and he’s got it.”

If Bethune can turn into an All-ACC caliber linebacker, it would be a huge boost for Florida State’s defense. Last season, the Seminoles finished 5th in yards-per-play allowed amongst ACC teams, but they lost key players like Jermaine Johnson II and Keir Thomas.

The Noles are also expecting to get big contributions from other transfers like Jared Verse and Greedy Vance.

FSU opens the 2022 season with Duquesne on Aug. 27.