Kalen DeLoach explains process on deciding to return with Tatum Bethune

After making it to a bowl game for the first time since 2019, Florida State’s prospects are finally looking up. It also doesn’t hurt that several key players announced they would be returning for the 2023 season, helping to build momentum. That includes bringing back linebackers Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune.

While speaking to the media, Kalen DeLoach was asked if he and Tatum Bethune decided to return for 2023 together, or if they came to their decisions separately.

“My pop and Tatum’s pop are real close, so you know they talked,” Kalen DeLoach said. “Then me and Tatum are real close. So, I feel it was more of a collective decision, like both parties. We decided what we wanted to do and figured out what was best for us.”

This season, Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune have helped Florida State reach a 9-3 record this season, beating both Miami and Florida in the process. In 2023, they’ll look at build on that, with help from quarterback Jordan Travis, who is also returning, and incoming transfer Jaheim Bell.

Kalen DeLoach was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2019. For his part, Tatum Bethune was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2019. He, however, started his career at UCF before transferring to Florida State.

Kalen DeLoach on Oklahoma’s offense

In the Cheez-It Bowl, Florida State will take on Oklahoma. That means the defense needs to find a way to stop Oklahoma’s fast-paced, spread offense. It’s an offense that Kalen DeLoach noted is unique.

“I know they line up wide. They’ve got wide splits. They like to hurry up. So, that’s what I got so far. Be ready for the tempo. It’s nothing that we haven’t seen before, but it’s definitely different,” DeLoach said.

“And, you know, that’s what we look forward to, though. The different offenses.”