The start of the 2016 season for Florida State is just four months away as the Seminoles begin what they hope is a championship campaign on Labor Day night against Ole Miss.
The deepest positions for FSU look to be at receiver and in the secondary. The Seminoles have a lot of talented young bodies at receiver, who look to give opposing defensive backs fits. Here’s a look at the five best defensive backs FSU will see in 2016:
1. Jalen Tabor, Florida (CB)
2015 Stats: 40 tackles, 1 sack, 4 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions
A first team All-SEC performer in 2015, Jalen Tabor looks to become the second Florida cornerback to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in as many years. Tabor locked opposing receivers down a year ago and returned a pair of picks for a touchdown. Tabor had four tackles in last season’s 27-2 loss to FSU. The teams meet this year in Tallahassee on Nov. 26.
2. Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson (CB)
2015 Stats: 48 tackles, 1 sack, 3.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions
A big, physical cornerback at 6-1 and 195 pounds, Cordrea Tankersley was largely overshadowed a season ago by fellow cornerback Mackensie Alexander. Tankersley led Clemson and finished tied for second in the ACC in 2015 with five picks. The Tigers will visit FSU on Oct. 29.
3. Trumaine Washington, Louisville (CB)
2015 Stats: 55 tackles, 2 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles
At 5-10 and 185 pounds, Louisville’s Trumaine Washington isn’t the biggest of conerbacks, but he makes plays in coverage and as a tackler. As a sophomore last season, Washington was responsible for forcing six turnovers for a very talented Louisville defense. Washington had five tackles in last season’s 41-21 loss at FSU. The Cardinals will host the Seminoles this season on Sept. 17.
4. Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville (S)
2015 Stats: 88 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles
Josh Harvey-Clemons is an imposing figure for Louisville at 6-5 and 230 pounds and frequently lines up around the line of scrimmage. Harvey-Clemons has fit in nicely with the Louisville defense since transferring from Georgia and recorded seven tackles against the Seminoles last season.
5. Marcus Maye, Florida (S)
2015 Stats: 82 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles
Florida safety Marcus Maye is a big-time hitter, who finished with 82 tackles and five forced fumbles a season ago. Maye was an integral part of a very good Florida secondary last season and is expected to take on a leadership role as a senior.
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