For a program as prestigious as Florida State, some jersey numbers have a richer history than others. One needs to look no further than the stands to figure that out.
In a series that looks at the best FSU players to wear numbers that will be donned by incoming freshmen, we look at one that doesn’t have the richest of history. That will be the No. 92.
This past week, incoming defensive tackle Cory Durden announced that would be his number for the 2017 season. It was last worn by Justin Shanks. With Durden’s jersey number set, we look at the best FSU players to ever wear it. Players will only be considered for the time they wore No. 92:
5. Darrell Burston (2002-06)
Defensive End
Stats: 34 total tackles, 10 for loss, 3 sacks
A compliment to the likes of Kamerion Wimbley, Chauncey Davis and Eric Moore among others, Darrell Burston was a defensive end who contributed for two years for the Seminoles. Burston appeared in 42 career games and finished his career with 10 tackles for loss. His five in 2005 ranked eighth for a team that won the ACC Championship.
4. Orpheus Roye (1994)
Defensive Tackle
Stats: 35 total tackles, 3 for loss, 1.5 sacks, fumble recovery
Defensive tackle Orpheus Roye enjoyed a long career in the NFL, but spent just two seasons in Tallahassee at junior college and one wearing the No. 92. That season was 1994 in which Roye was a solid contributor for an FSU team that won the Sugar Bowl.
3. Anthony McCloud (2010-12)
Defensive Tackle
Stats: 84 career tackles, 9 for loss, 3 sacks, forced fumble
A junior college transfer, Anthony McCloud was a 3-year contributor for a very deep FSU defensive line. After failing to qualify out of high school in 2008, Jimbo Fisher gave McCloud a second chance in 2010 and seemed to get the most of him. McCloud was a key piece of the 2012 team that won FSU’s first ACC crown in seven years.
2. Tom O’Malley (1984-88)
Tight End
Stats: 43 catches, 479 yards receiving, 3 touchdown receptions
A 3-year contributor from Connecticut, Tom O’Malley was known more for his blocking than his receiving as a tight end, but was an important part of FSU teams that finished in the top 5 in each of his final two seasons. O’Malley scored three touchdowns during his time in Tallahassee, including one that put FSU head for good in a 52-17 rout of rival Florida in 1988.
1. Jerry Johnson (1995-99)
Defensive Tackle
Stats: 216 total tackles, 43 for loss, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Jerry Johnson was part of a deep defensive front for Florida State and helped the Seminoles reach the national championship game three times. In each of his final three seasons in Tallahassee, Johnson had at least 57 tackles and had at least 10 tackles for loss in three straight seasons from 1996-98. Johnson was a starter for the 1999 team that won FSU’s second national championship. Johnson currently serves as a quality control coach at FSU.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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