FSU football: Projected defensive skill spring depth chart

Boundary CB: Brandon Moore, Jarques McClellion, Jarrian Jones

Field CB: Jarvis Brownlee, Demorie Tate, Akeem Dent

Nickel CB: Jammie Robinson, Jarvis Brownlee Jr, Kevin Knowles II

This unit was dreadful last season. The lone bright spot was Asante Samuel Jr., who’ll likely be an early selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.

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This unit should improve with the infusion of talent and the staff addressing the need at pass rush. The staff brought in some potential instant starters via the transfer portal and this will give enough time for the young players to develop behind them.

Brandon Moore would be the obvious choice to start at the boundary position provided he’s healthy. He has the size and is experienced with a good NFL draft grade before an injury sidelined him at UCF.

At the same time, if he is limited, I feel confident in Jarques McClellion’s capabilities. He is a longer and bigger corner who plays physical, as he recorded 59 tackles and 11 pass break-ups in two years at Arkansas.

Jarrian Jones is a talented player but played with some injuries last season. I like his ball skills on tape and his aggressiveness at the line. Hopefully, the scheme allows him to embrace that as he tries to regain confidence.

Jarvis Brownlee played the Nickel position a lot for the Noles last season but has the skills to play the field corner position. He plays with confidence and should be able to step into a bigger role in 2021. I can see him in both spots as the Noles look to get the best combination of players on the field.

I like what Demorie Tate brings off of his redshirt season. He is raw but has good size and length and was the last top 100 player the Noles have signed in the secondary since the 2018 recruiting cycle. He had to academically redshirt last year but should push for playing time in 2021.

Meiko Dotson returning in 2021 is great for depth after battling injuries last season. He could see some snaps if he can avoid the injury bug. Akeem Dent should be in the mix as well, and needs to find his confidence after an abysmal 2020 season.

Jammie Robinson mentioned he is likely playing the Nickel cornerback spot, but he can slide up to safety if needed as well. I’ve mentioned Brownlee, but freshman Kevin Knowles II could be a factor since he was an early enrollee.