Okay, so it seems Rushel Shell’s transfer is a little more up in the air than it seemed yesterday. Coach Paul Chryst has issued the “back off” statement.

“Like many college freshmen, Rushel is working through some challenges right now. As it is for all members of our team, my most important concern is his personal well-being. Rushel and his family have our full support. We are giving him time away from football to work through this situation but he very much remains a part of our family on a daily basis. We want to be sensitive and respectful of Rushel, and I would ask others to do the same.”

This really says nothing, but that’s the point. Chryst can’t comment, but has to comment.

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Second of five pieces from the Blog Chant Rant on FSU’s Spring Practices.

This isn’t really a question of who will play, as the limited depth will require one of a select few to get the job. It’s more a question of who is going to step up and make the leap to a high caliber player able to provide the Seminole defense with a consistent pass rush. Florida State has the task of replacing three NFL caliber defensive ends in Bjoern Werner, Tank Carradine, and Brandon Jenkins, though Jenkins missed almost all of last season with injury.

While they will be lacking in experience, however, they will not be lacking in talent. In the mix are former 4-star recruit Georgio Newberry (RS Soph.), and 5-star recruits in Mario Edwards Jr. (Soph.) and Chris Casher (RS Fresh.). Edwards slimmed down as the year went on in 2012 and saw his contributions increase earning two starts after Carradine was lost for the season. Casher will be interesting to watch because, though he is talented, he has missed the last two football seasons. I expect Casher to be close to 260 lbs by the time the season rolls around and his size and athleticism should allow him to jump right back in at a high level

The depth for the defensive end position got a much needed boost when FSU landed top 5 DE DeMarcus Walker this recruiting cycle and had him enroll for the spring. He has the size to come in and contribute right away, and going through a spring practice is huge for him and his ability to provide depth in the 2013 season. If he can establish himself as an option this spring, than FSU should feel much more comfortable heading into the fall with 4 capable ends. (Update: Walker hasn’t seen the field yet this spring because the NCAA Clearinghouse is checking into one of his high school classes.)

After moving to TE last season, but missing the entire year with an injury, Dan Hicks (RS Sr.) is moving back to his defensive end position this spring. This will also help to provide additional depth and experience at the position. Hicks will be another one o keep an eye on during spring practice to see how he makes the adjustment back to the defensive side of the ball.

by Lilburn Nole for ChantRant.com

Edit: You have to love the name Tank Carradine for a kid at DE.  Its like Tank McNamara and David Carradine (“Grasshopper”) were married and adopted a kid who turned out to be a stud football player.  They have DEs with the first names “Tank”,” Bjoern”, and “Georgio”.  You have to give their staff credit for that.