Florida State has a number of promising young freshmen hoping to make a difference for the Seminoles this year, particularly in the secondary.
One of those youngsters is freshman cornerback A.J. Lytton. Lytton was given No. 30 earlier this offseason and will look to make the most of any opportunity.
With that said, here’s a look at the five best FSU players historically to wear the number:
5. Derek Nicholson (2007-08)
Linebacker
Stats: 180 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 touchdowns
The younger brother of former FSU star A.J. Nicholson, Derek Nicholson found a way to make an impact over his final two seasons in Tallahassee. Nicholson was FSU’s leading tackler in each of those two years while starting every game. Nicholson returned fumbles for touchdown in two of his final three career games for Florida State. Nicholson appeared in 41 career games.
4. Larry Harris (1980-83)
Defensive Back
Stats: 131 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 9 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries
Larry Harris was a 2-year contributor for Florida State at defensive back. Over the course of his career, Harris came away with nine career interceptions. His six picks in 1982 led the team. After making 18 starts at strong safety in 1981 and 1982, an injury kept Harris from making an impact as a senior in 1983. His six interceptions in 1982 is ninth in FSU history for picks in a season.
3. Bill Moremen (1965-67)
Running Back
Stats: 1,168 yards rushing, 14 rushing touchdowns, 385 yards receiving, 4 touchdown catches, 185 yards passing, 2 touchdown passes
Bill Moremen had a knack for helping the Seminoles find the end zone over his career. A 3-year starter, Moremen appeared in 32 career games and made 28 starts for FSU. Moremen was responsible for 20 total touchdowns in his career with the majority of those coming on the ground. Moremen was FSU’s leading rusher in 1966 and 1967. Moremen capped his career with 12 catches for 106 yards receiving in a Gator Bowl tie against Penn State in 1967.
2. Shevin Smith (1995-97)
Safety
Stats: 148 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 8 interceptions, 3 touchdowns
An All-ACC safety for Florida State in 1997, Shevin Smith was a versatile player capable of getting over the top and laying the big hit. As a junior in 1996, Smith recorded three defensive touchdowns. Smith had a knack for playing big in big games with picks in wins over North Carolina and Florida in 1996. In a victory over No. 1 Florida to conclude the 1996 regular season, Smith had 10 tackles and a pick in the end zone. As a senior, Smith had interceptions in a 47-0 win over Miami, a road win at No. 5 North Carolina and a Sugar Bowl victory against Ohio State.
1. Tom Bailey (1968-70)
Running Back
Stats: 1,714 yards rushing, 6 rushing touchdowns, 529 yards receiving, 2 touchdown catches, 41 yards passing, 2 touchdown passes
Tom Bailey didn’t find the end zone with the regularity that predecessor Bill Moremen did, but he was a star for the Seminoles during the final years of the Bill Peterson era. Bailey was the Seminoles’ leading rusher in three straight seasons and accounted for 10 career touchdowns. Bailey eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark four times and finished his career with 2,243 yards from scrimmage. Bailey left FSU as the school’s all-time leading rusher and currently ranks 18th in FSU history.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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