FSU Football: Top defensive players for Noles entering 2017 season

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – OCTOBER 08: Tarvarus McFadden #4 of the Florida State Seminoles makes an interception in the endzone over Ahmmon Richards #82 of the Miami Hurricanes during a game at Hard Rock Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – CB Tarvarus McFadden (Junior – Fort Lauderdale, FL)

There was a point during the 2016 season when many people didn’t think the other No. 4 on the Seminoles’ roster was going to live up to the hype of being a five star recruit in the 2015 class. Even after getting an interception in the opener versus Ole Miss, McFadden was getting beat on plays and was considered by some to be a hot and cold player on the field.

By the end of the season, he had seven more picks – including a four game stretch with an interception against Miami, Wake Forest, Clemson and N.C. State. All of a sudden, McFadden was the leader in the secondary and saw his play improve not just when it came to INT’s, but all-around. Now, the All-American and Jack Tatum Award winner has become someone that opposing quarterbacks fear.

In 2017, McFadden is going to be a marked man by those who expect the same numbers that he put up last year. While offenses may start to shy away from throwing his direction, the main No. 4 on the roster this season will have to use the rest of his athletic abilities to make plays and stay noticed. If he can do that, there is no telling what the future will hold for McFadden in Tallahassee or at the next level.

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