FSU Football: ‘Noles To Field Best Defensive Backs In ACC Next Season?

The FSU Football secondary was suspect the early part of 2016. However, 2017 will feature the best secondary in the ACC according to ESPN.

The FSU football secondary struggled in the early part of 2016. That unit was a large reason why the FSU defense was allowing over seven yards per play at one point.

However, it was a combination of things that contributed to poor play. The ‘Noles were playing against a slew of quarterbacks that will play in the NFL coupled with a ton of inexperienced talent.

All that will change in 2017, and ESPN’s Andrea Adelson believes the ‘Noles will field the best defensive backs in the ACC:

"The Seminoles bring back All-ACC cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, who tied for the national lead with eight interceptions a year ago. But he’s not the big story.It’s preseason All-American Derwin James, who missed nearly the entire 2016 season with a knee injury and is eager to show the nation just how good he can be when the season kicks off.James plays multiple positions in the Florida State secondary and also brings leadership intangibles that were missing while he was on the bench. Veteran safety Nate Andrews returns as well after getting a medical redshirt for a fifth season, while Trey Marshall showed promise a year ago."

Thoughts

Missing Derwin James was a huge blow to the secondary in 2016, and his return improves the defense in all facets. He’s great against the run, in coverage and can blitz the quarterback off the edge.

Tarvarus McFadden has turned into a shutdown corner and Trey Marshall is one of the most experienced defensive backs on the team.

The biggest question will be who will replaced field corner Marquez White who has exhausted eligibility, and will be drafted in the upcoming NFL Draft.

There are a number of options like Levonta Taylor, Marcus Lewis, Stanford Samuels III and Carlos Becker.

FSU football also has players like Kyle Meyers and AJ Westbrook who played in all 13 games last season and can play multiple positions.

Let’s not forget about Ermon Lane who played well in limited time as a safety after switching from wide receiver.

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There’s no doubt the secondary is the most talented in the ACC. The experience from last season should make this pass defense lights out in 2017.