Fabien Lovett details what he learned from Jermaine Johnson

Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson enjoyed such a great 2021 campaign that the New York Jets deemed him worthy of a first round pick and snatched him up on day one of the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, the question remains: who will replace Johnson at FSU as the leader along the defensive line? One obvious candidate is Fabien Lovett.

The 315-pound defensive tackle is entering his fourth season of college ball, and his third at Florida State. After playing significant rotation minutes last season, Lovett is ready to step into the spotlight in Tallahassee. Not without a few tips from Jermaine Johnson though. The Seminole DT learned plenty from his star predecessor.

At ACC Media Days last week, Lovett answered questions on that exact subject. What did he learn from the future first-round pick last season when they shared the defensive line?

Here were Lovett’s comments regarding the question:

“I’ve learned a lot from Jermaine. He is one of the guys that helped me click and have a break-out game and understand the importance of my growth and the dominance that I can have and that I will have.”

Lovett emphasized just how important teamwork and communication along the defensive front is.

“He showed me what it’s like to have somebody on the outside of you that helps some when you get double-teams, the guy that makes the plays that you can make also.”

This upcoming season, Lovett needs to to help replace Johnson’s production along the line, but also step up as a leader like Johnson was for last year’s team.

“As far as me being a leader, I’ve grown tremendously with the help much Coach Norvell and Coach Odell and the guys and having better relationships with them. It’s all about being able to be respected. Also being able to show the same respect that you want from others.”

Sounds like Fabien Lovett should be in for a huge season. Perhaps ‘Noles fans will be talking about him as a first round selection this time next summer.