FSU CB McFadden Wins Tatum Award

Florida State sophomore cornerback and the nation’s leader in interceptions, Tarvarus McFadden, was named the winner of the 2016 Jack Tatum Award by the Touchdown Club of Columbus on Friday.

The award, which annually goes to the nation’s top defensive back, was named after former Ohio State and Oakland Raiders’ star defensive back Jack Tatum. McFadden becomes the second Florida State player to win the award, joining Terrell Buckely, who took home the hardware in 1991. Iowa’s Desmond King won the award last year.

Tied for the national lead with eight interceptions, McFadden has gone from a “boom or bust” defender to a lockdown cornerback over the final parts of the 2016 season. In addition to the eight interceptions, McFadden has 13 passes defended and three tackles for loss.

The eight picks this season for the 6-2 cornerback from South Florida is the second most for an FSU defender in a single season. McFadden will try to move into sole possession of second place in a bowl game. The Seminoles will learn their bowl destination and opponent on Sunday.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson