Thoughts From the Morning After: FSU 30 Miami 26

Jalen Ramsey Balls Out

For as much credit as Lamarcus Joyner gets for playing well at the Star position in this defense last year– Jalen Ramsey will be better when it’s all said and done.

Last night, without a doubt, Ramsey was the best player on the field when FSU’s defense was out there. The sophomore DB is the idealization of the Star — he’s exceptionally athletic, he’s got a high football IQ and he’s got the perfect body type for the position — and he’s finally starting to play like it.

There were some growing pains for Ramsey, there were games earlier this season where he came in too hot on blitzes, missed assignments, blew coverages. Let’s chalk that up to settling in. Because the way Ramsey played last night indicates that he finally feels at home at the Star in this defense.

Ramsey only finished the game with three tackles — two solo, one for loss — but that’s a poor indicator of how disruptive the sophomore was last night. He also forced a fumble on Miami’s first possession. He broke up four passes. He got home when he blitzed. He blocked an extra point. And then when FSU needed a play on 4th-and-ballgame on Miami’s last drive– it was Ramsey who came up with the game-sealing interception.

Nobody had a bigger defensive impact than Ramsey last night– and he probably made himself a lot of money in the process, too.

As PJ Williams and Ronald Darby take their lumps this season — an issue which is, admittedly, not entirely their fault — Ramsey has established himself as the premiere pro prospect in this secondary.

Enjoy him, FSU fans.

With the way he’s playing lately, next season will likely be his last in garnet and gold.

Next: Dalvin Cook's Homecoming