FSU football: Noles rightfully named ‘DBU’ by ACC Conference panelists

FSU football has been the college that produces the best defensive backs in the nation over the last 30-40 years. It’s not an opinion because the stats, awards, and NFL Draft picks back it up.

However, the ACC Network is trying to produce some original content to build that channel.

They have a series that began this week asking a panel of guests about which college is the best program for different positions.

The first position discussed in the series was the defensive back. The finalist was Clemson, Virginia Tech, Miami, and FSU.

Thoughts

It was interesting to hear the case for each school even though it was a foregone conclusion what the choice was. It was so clear one of the panelists chose another school just to be different. Here’s a sample of top defensive backs from FSU football:

• Asante Samuel Jr.
• Derwin James
• Jalen Ramsey
• Ronald Darby
• Lamarcus Joyner
• Xavier Rhodes
• Patrick Robinson
• Antonio Cromartie
• Bryant McFadden
• Derrick Gibson
• Samari Rolle
• Corey Fuller
• Terrell Buckley
• Leroy Butler
• Deion Sanders

All of those players listed are first, or second-round draft picks. There are Super Bowl champions, All-Pros, Hall of Fame, All-ACC, Consensus All-Americans, and more on that short-list of players.

That doesn’t count the many FSU football defensive backs drafted in the third round or later that had productive NFL careers. Miami is the only school in the ACC that could remotely be in the conversation, but one of the panelists talked about Devin Hester when he’s known more as a punt returner.

When you have to resort to things of that nature, then you already know what’s up. This episode was the first of six that will cover quarterbacks, linebackers, running backs, wide receivers, and defensive linemen. The episodes will air on the ACC Network Facebook and Youtube channels.