FSU Football: Best Player From Each Signing Class Under Jimbo Fisher

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Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

2015 Recruiting Class (Ranked No. 1 in ACC, No. 3 Nationally)

Top Player: Derwin James / S (Haines City)

It can be hard to judge this group since everyone on it was either a sophomore or redshirt freshman during the 2016 season. The reason we’re going with James is not just because of what he did on the field – but what he meant to the team when he wasn’t able to suit up and lead the secondary.

James didn’t even start his true freshman year in the lineup and finished with 91 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Talk started of him being a candidate for most major awards when he injured his knee against Charleston Southern and was lost for the season. Many of the struggles early on defensively for FSU football were because of his loss – which means the unit’s turnaround at the end will only be amplified when he comes back.

Honorable Mention: DT Josh Sweat, QB Deondre Francois, CB Tarvarus McFadden, RB Jacques Patrick

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