15 college football teams losing the most talent in 2018

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Lamont Gaillard #53 of the Georgia Bulldogs prepares to snap the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff National Championship held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama defeated Georgia 26-23 for the national title. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Derwin James #3 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide during their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Early NFL Draft Entrants: 5 (WR Auden Tate, TE Ryan Izzo, DL Jalen Wilkerson, DL Josh Sweat, DB Tavares McFadden, DB Derwin James)
Starters Lost: 9 (4 Offense, 5 Defense)
Two-Deep Lost: 10 (5 Offense, 6 Defense)
Passing Yards Returning: 2,504 (100 percent)
Rushing Yards Returning: 2,142 (95.3 percent)
Receiving Yards Returning: 1,333 (52.5 percent)
Tackles Returning: 264 (42 percent)

Florida State struggled early in the 2017 season, slumping to 2-5 before rebounding to win five of its final six games. The Seminoles were hit hard by injuries, particularly at quarterback, receiver, and on the offensive line, which allowed many underclassmen to get more playing time than expected. However, as we look towards 2018, the high number of juniors who decided to leave school for the NFL offset some of the pleasantly surprising experience gained by young players.

Six Seminoles decided to forego their senior seasons (junior in some cases), which tied for the most in the country. The defense was hit particularly hard, with likely first round pick Derwin James, who led the team with 66.5 tackles and accounted for 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions, and top pass rusher Josh Sweat (12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks), leaving. Starting defensive back Tavares McFadden and reserve defensive end Jalen Wilkerson joined them, and including the three senior starters and three senior contributors who must be replaced, Florida State lost more than half its tackling production.

The offense lost fewer players, and though Florida State has the benefit of two quarterbacks returning and leading rusher Cam Akers could be poised to breakout as one of the nation’s best backs as a sophomore.

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