FSU Football: 5 players that need to step up in 2017
By Kelvin Hunt
![Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (80) leaps up to make a touchdown catch in front of Michigan Wolverines safety Dymonte Thomas (25) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Nyqwan Murray (80) leaps up to make a touchdown catch in front of Michigan Wolverines safety Dymonte Thomas (25) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f525cbdf4e94644889cd9bcbdf55720066b62a34871d55b3d4530aec8505b60e.jpg)
Matthew Thomas
Much like Josh Sweat, this is Matthew Thomas’s money year. It’s also his final year at FSU after to Tallahassee as the highest rated recruit in the 2013 class.
He was rated higher than Jalen Ramsey.
Thomas has had a rollercoaster ride since committing to FSU. He mother died not long after he got to Tallahassee and he was suspended for half a season, and he was academically ineligible for another season.
However, Thomas overcame all of those obstacles to finally see the field as a starter in 2016. It wasn’t until the final few games of the season that he finally started to play to his five-star billing coming out of high school.
The Orange Bowl game against Michigan was what we have expected from Thomas since he’s been at FSU.
That version of Matthew Thomas can make the FSU defense elite in 2017.