LB transfer Caleb LaVallee expects to make an impact on Florida State defense in 2025

Even though he doesn’t have a whole lot of experience at the college level, incoming transfer linebacker Caleb LaVallee thinks the new Florida State defense under first-year coordinator Tony White is a perfect fit for his skill set.

“I love the defense that he runs,” LaVallee said with a smile. “It’s very enticing for a guy like me, who is fast and physical. And I just love how I’m going to be able to get out there and just play free. Run and hit. So, it’s all really cool.”

LaVallee comes to Tallahassee after two years of mainly being a backup at North Carolina.

He played four games as a true freshman in 2023 while redshirting. Then he played 11 more this past season, with his most productive game — by far — coming in the Tar Heels’ bowl game against UConn.

He got the first start of his college career in that game and led the defense with nine tackles, including one tackle for loss.

“It was a blessing,” LaVallee said of that performance. “It was great to get out there with my friends and just play football. That’s something I’ve always loved, is playing football. And it was able to help me grow as a player, to get more experience and confidence as well.

“That gave me a lot of confidence … So, I’m excited to see how that turns over this year.”

He expects it to turn over into even more playing time at Florida State.

The Georgia native said he almost picked FSU coming out of high school, and he developed a great relationship with Florida State head coach Mike Norvell during the recruiting process.

So, when he decided to enter the transfer portal after two years at UNC, it was no surprise that Florida State was one of the schools at the top of his preference list.

“I wanted a culture,” LaVallee said. “And I loved the culture here. That’s why out of high school I was down to between here and North Carolina. And the new regime at UNC, I’m sure they’re going to do great. But this place felt more like home to me and some place I’d want to be, and coaches I want to play for.”

Despite having only 14 career tackles to his name, LaVallee is an intriguing prospect heading into the 2025 season for FSU. There will be plenty of competition at the linebacker spot in White’s 3-3-5 defense, including veteran transfers Elijah Herring and Stefon Thompson. But perhaps LaVallee — with that aforementioned physicality and speed — can get on the field a lot in his first season with the Seminoles.

That’s what he’s working toward.

“I’m an athletic player,” LaVallee said. “I can play in space. I can cover. I’m not a linebacker that has to come off the field on third downs. So, I can play every snap. I can play in space. That’s not something that’s not comfortable to me.”

Warchant Subscribers! Upgrade to the AD-FREE Gold membership and receive a $20 gift code to Garnet & Gold. Click here to take advantage of this offer while supplies last!

Talk about this story with other die-hard Florida State football fans on the Tribal Council.

The post LB transfer Caleb LaVallee expects to make an impact on Florida State defense in 2025 appeared first on On3.