If there is a position where Florida State is absolutely stacked heading into 2017, it’s the secondary. Cornerback Tarvarus McFadden and safety Derwin James are both predicted to have All-American seasons for a defensive backfield that is loaded with speed, depth and experience.
For FSU quarterback Deondre Francois and a thin receiving corps, they’ll have their fair share of talent defensive backs to face on the other side of the ball in 2017. Here’s a look at the five best players in the secondary that FSU is set to face in 2017:
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama (S)
2016 Stats: 66 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 6 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
When it comes to defensive backs, Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick is about as good as it gets. Fitzpatrick filled up the box score last season for an Alabama defense that was among the nation’s best. Fitzpatrick was a first-team All-American as a sophomore in 2016, leading the Crimson Tide in interceptions with six. His four career interception returns for touchdowns is a school-record. Fitzpatrick and the Tide open with the Seminoles on Sept. 2 in Atlanta.
2. Jaire Alexander, Louisville (CB)
2016 Stats: 39 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 5 interceptions, forced fumble
Jaire Alexander burst onto the scene last season after being used mostly as a reserve as a freshman. Alexander showed sprinter speed that helped him excel both as a cornerback and a punt returner. In a 63-20 win over FSU last season, Alexander recorded three tackles, but had two punt returns of more than 60 yards, including one he took back 69 yards for a touchdown. The Cardinals will visit the Seminoles this season on Oct. 21.
3. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama (S)
2016 Stats: 86 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions
Now a junior, Tallahassee native Ronnie Harrison is Alabama’s leading returning tackler. Harrison finished behind only Butkus Award winner Reuben Foster in that statistic last season and tied Fitzpatrick for second on the team in pass break-ups. At 6-3 and 215 pounds, Harrison is fast, physical and instinctive.
4. Jessie Bates, Wake Forest (S)
2016 Stats: 100 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
Just a freshman in 2016, Jessie Bates was an intricate part of a Wake Forest defense that had a knack for shutting teams down. Bates finished with 100 total tackles and led the Demon Deacons with five interceptions, including two he returned for touchdowns. Against FSU last season, Bates tallied eight total stops and an interception in a 17-6 loss in Tallahassee. The teams meet this year in Winston-Salem on Sept. 30.
5. Duke Dawson, Florida (CB)
2016 Stats: 24 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1 interception
A physical cornerback at nearly 210 pounds, Duke Dawson emerged for a deep and talented Florida secondary a season ago. The Gators again boasted one of the nation’s best defenses and Dawson’s emergence was a big reason for that. Dawson finished with just one tackle in last season’s loss at Florida State. The teams meet this year in Gainesville on Nov. 25.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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