FSU Spring Position Preview: Defensive Backs

With a few returning starters and one prominent transfer, the Seminoles may have their deepest secondary in years.

Author:
Charleston Bowles
Publish date:
Feb 28, 2023 1:26 PM EST

In this story:

After its first 10-win season since 2016, Florida State enters spring practice with arguably the most momentum of head coach Mike Norvell's tenure.

FSU has grabbed impact players from the transfer portal but also recruited and developed talent through its own high school recruiting.

The defensive back position in Tallahassee is always under the spotlight with the position history consisting of Deion Sanders, Terell Buckley, Jalen Ramsey, Derwin James, and more. With a few returning starters and one prominent transfer, Florida State may have its deepest secondary in years.

Departures:

Jammie Robinson (NFL), Sam McCall (Texas A&M), Jarques McClellion and Demorie Tate.

During his two seasons with the Seminoles, Robinson combined for 183 tackles and five interceptions. He led the defense in tackles in both seasons. He also held a prominent leadership role for the Seminoles and was a vocal leader. His physicality and versatility must be replaced in some capacity.

McCall, the highest-rated recruit in the Seminoles 2022 recruiting class, left after managing five tackles in three games. He was utilized more as a kickoff returner (124 return yards) than in the secondary.

McClellion was mostly a depth piece in his FSU career. In 2022, he made 12 tackles in six games.

Returners:

Redshirt senior safety Akeem Dent, redshirt senior cornerback Renardo Green, redshirt senior cornerback Jarrian Jones, redshirt junior cornerback Greedy Vance, redshirt junior safety Travis Jay, junior cornerback Kevin Knowles II, junior safety Omarion Cooper, redshirt sophomore safety Shyheim Brown and sophomore cornerback Azareye'h Thomas.

Dent returns for his last season of eligibility. After spending time at cornerback earlier in his career, Dent cemented himself at safety alongside Robinson. In 2022, he finished with a career-high 53 tackles (0.5 for loss) and four pass breakups. His spring could be at a slower pace after suffering an injury near the end of the regular season.

After falling out of the rotation in 2021, Green emerged as a contributor in 2022. He ranked second in pass deflections (four) and registered a career-high 58 tackles (42 solo). He's proved himself in coverage and shown a willingness to tackle.

Brown is projected as the replacement for Robinson. The Lake City, Florida, native produced in his first full season (36 tackles, 1.5 sacks). He'll face added competition from junior Omarion Cooper, who is making the position switch from cornerback. Cooper's production decreased in his second year but he does have three career interceptions. His ball skills and frame offer something for defensive coordinator Adam Fuller and defensive backs coach Parick Surtain Sr. to work with.

In 2022, Vance pulled down a team-high three interceptions. He is vying for the starting nickel position alongside Knowles II. Thomas and Jones round out the cornerback group. Thomas holds starting upside and flashed at times as a freshman (recorded an interception against Miami). Jones came along strong near the end of 2022, while Knowles II could benefit from a few strong moments throughout the spring.

New Additions:

Redshirt junior cornerback Fentrell Cypress II, freshman cornerback Quindarrius Jones and freshman safety K.J. Kirkland (Edwin Joseph, Conrad Hussey, and Ja'Bril Rawls will enroll in the summer)

Norvell isn't afraid to seek immediate help through the transfer portal and that's exactly what Cypress II brings. The Virginia transfer was named Second-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for his effort in 2022. He rarely played in his first three seasons but emerged as a ballhawk for the Cavaliers with 39 tackles and 11 pass deflections last season.

FSU has two early enrollees at the defensive back position this spring. Kirkland hails from Jacksonville, Florida, while Jones comes from Meridian, Mississippi. Both will get their first taste of college football practice this spring after enrolling in January. This period should provide useful reps and a chance to get ahead of the learning curve for the two.

Projected Depth Chart:

Boundary Corner:

1. Renardo Green

2. Azareye'h Thomas

Field Corner:

1. Fentrell Cypress II

2. Jarrian Jones

Nickel:

1. Greedy Vance

2. Kevin Knowles II

3. Jarrian Jones

BUCK:

1. Akeem Dent

2. Travis Jay

Free Safety:

1. Shyheim Brown

2. Omarion Cooper

Spring Outlook:

Although there is no All-American caliber talent in this room, it's full of quality players who bring different strengths to the table. It'll be a tall task to replace Robinson, but the position group is well-rounded and balanced. The spring offers a chance for healthy competition.