FSU Football: Top defensive players for Noles entering 2017 season

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ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 05: Matthew Thomas #6 of the Florida State Seminoles tackles Chad Kelly #10 of the Mississippi Rebels in the first half during the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium on September 5, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

No. 5 – LB Matthew Thomas (Redshirt Senior – Miami, FL)

If there was a comeback player of the year for the 2016 season, it would be former five star recruit from South Florida. After having played in just 10 games over his first three seasons with a total of 29 tackles (which included missing all of 2015 after being ineligible), Thomas lived up to the hype and led the team with 77 tackles, leading the team in that stat for the final two games of the year against Florida and Michigan.

Thomas was on the verge of being one of the most overrated recruits to come to Tallahassee based on his performance, with not many people knowing the personal struggles he was dealing with following the death of his mother. Now, with his life in order and his focus on honoring her, Thomas has become a physical freak who could be the next great FSU football linebacker many thought he would be.

Thomas will be part of a senior filled linebacker group along with Ro’Derrick Hoskins and Jacob Pugh this coming season. With all due respect to both of those great players, the unit will be led by the man wearing No. 6. If Thomas continues to live up to expectations, there will be no stopping him this season.

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