FSU Football: Projecting the 2020 cornerback depth chart

Corner #1

The player on defense that broke out the most last season was Asante Samuel Jr, who projects to be the top cornerback on the 2020 roster. Samuel Jr. was one of the top recruits in the 2018 class and received playing time as a freshman before emerging as a starter last year.

Samuel’s aggressive style of play did lead to a few long touchdowns last season, but the former blue-chip settled more into his role as the season went on.

Samuel Jr. is a great cover corner and has gotten better in run support. Last season, he recorded one interception and 14 pass breakups, while adding 49 total tackles.

His 14 pass breakups led the ACC, an impressive stat for a first-year starter. He was consistently matched up with the opposing team’s number one receiver, and while his aggressive style did give up a few big plays, it resulted in great individual coverages, like this one.

With Samuel Jr. as the starter, the backup situation is a bit muddy. AJ Lytton was thought to have the inside track on being the #3 corner, backing up Samuel Jr., but his dismissal opens up opportunities for other players. Renardo Green, will likely get snaps as played in all 13 games last season and had some great moments. Jarvis Brownlee should also factor in with his fellow Tribe19 member, and both should receive valuable playing time this year.