Starting linebacker Tatum Bethune returning to Florida State for senior year
The Florida State football team will have both of its starting linebackers back for the 2023 season.
Two days after junior Kalen DeLoach announced he was returning to the Seminoles for his senior year, along with an NIL deal with The Battle’s End Collective, Tatum Bethune did the same on Thursday.
Bethune, who transferred to Florida State last January, was the Seminoles’ second-leading tackler this season and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors.
In his first season in tallahassee, Bethune racked up 76 tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded 2.5 sacks and was credited with three pass breakups.
*ALSO SEE: In Tatum Bethune, Florida State has a force to be reckoned with … on and off the field
With Bethune and DeLoach both returning, Florida State brings back two starting linebackers with gobs of experience. Bethune was a two-year starter at UCF before anchoring the middle of the Seminoles’ defense this season, and DeLoach will be entering his third season as a starter at FSU.
They were two of Florida State’s top three tacklers in 2022 and combined for 133 tackles. They also were a huge part of the turnaround for an FSU defense that finished the regular season ranked No. 14 in total defense (307.3 yards per game).
One year earlier, the Seminoles ranked 65th at 377.8 yards per game.
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Warchant is keeping a running tally of each of the Seminoles who confirm they are leaving this offseason or coming back for 2023.
Florida State got more good news on defense earlier this week when DeLoach and cornerbacks Renardo Green and Jarrian Jones all announced they were returning.
Talk about this story with other die-hard FSU football fans on the Tribal Council.
