FSU Preseason Position Breakdown: Defensive Backs

There is talent up and down the Florida State roster, but for 2016, there may be no position group deeper and more talented than the FSU secondary.

Despite losing Jalen Ramsey to the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, veteran presences in Lamarcus Brutus and Tyler Hunter as well as an incredibly pleasant surprise in cornerback Javien Elliott, the Seminoles are expected to be even better in the defensive backfield this year. With Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly, Miami’s Brad Kaaya and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson on the schedule, the Noles will face some talented passers who will test just how good the secondary really is.

1. The Name to Know: Derwin James
A sophomore safety from Haines City, Derwin James was among FSU’s defensive leaders in virtually every category despite not beginning the year in the starting lineup. James led the team in solo tackles while finishing second in total tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.

James is a big safety at 6-3 and nearly 215 pounds. It’s not a surprise that James is a big hitter, but he also has great football instincts and is extremely quick for his position. James’ biggest strength might be his versatility as he’s able to stop the run and rush the passer. James is also solid in coverage. Finding a weakness in his game just isn’t easy.

2. Burning Question: Can the Secondary be as Good as Advertised?
The corps of defensive backs for Florida State is expected to be one of the best in the country. James and senior cornerback Marquez White each have the potential to have All-American seasons while safeties Nate Andrews, a senior, and Trey Marshall, a junior, have quite a bit of experience in the system.

The biggest position battle looks to be for the starting cornerback job opposite White. As of now, it looks to be a 2-man race between Marcus Lewis and former 5-star recruit Tarvarus McFadden. Both are big corners at 6-1 and 6-2, respectively, but Lewis made the bigger impact during the spring. If everything goes right for Florida State and there are no breakdowns in coverage, FSU will be very difficult to pass against.

In 2014, FSU had a secondary full of NFL talent, but still struggled throughout the season, so nothing should be taken for granted. If this unit can come close to reaching its potential however, one would be hard-pressed to find a better secondary in the country.

3. Put Your Future Stock In: Levonta Taylor
A 5-star cornerback out of Virginia Beach, the sky is the limit for Levonta Taylor. Taylor is fast, physical and confident. At 5-10 and 170 pounds, Taylor could stand to put some weight on, but his closing speed and ability to break on the football are what scouts raved about.

Taylor should be able to see some of the field defensively in 2016, but could also help the Seminoles immediately as a kick or punt returner on special teams. Taylor was part of a 2016 recruiting class that ranked first nationally, according to ESPN. Carlos Becker is another talented corner from that class.

4. Other Names to Know: Calvin Brewton, A.J. Westbrook, Malique Jackson
Florida State is not only talented in the secondary, but its deep as well. Calvin Brewton and A.J. Westbrook are each sophomores who could make an impact this season. Both stand at 6-0 and about 185 pounds and though each were projected as safeties out of high school, they could fill at the “star” cornerback position also.

Jackson is a junior who hasn’t seen a whole lot of the field, but was pushing for playing time in 2015. Jackson is probably best used as a boundary corner and should provide some added depth at the position.

5. Food for Thought
Though Florida State is expected to have one of the best secondaries in the country in 2016, the Seminoles are losing five of their eight interceptions from a season ago. While FSU’s sack totals nearly doubled last year, its interception total was nearly cut in half from 14 in 2014. FSU led the nation with 26 picks in 2013.

An FSU defensive back has scored a touchdown for the Seminoles in each of the last 10 seasons. The only current Seminole with a defensive touchdown in his career however, is Nate Andrews. Andrews returned an interception for a touchdown against Wake Forest in 2013 and another against Oklahoma State to open 2014.