FSU football: 5 players from 2019 recruiting class need to shine in 2022

By Kelvin Hunt | Feb 22, 2022

Sep 18, 2021; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Akeem Dent Sr. (27) listens to defensive coordinator Adam Fuller (left) as he talks with the defensive unit during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Travis Jay

Travis Jay was the third-highest-rated recruit in the 2019 class that sat out the 2019 season due to an academic issue.

Jay battled some injuries but appeared in six games for the Noles at the safety position in 2020, where he finished with 26 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception in the season finale against Duke.

Jay contributed on special teams with kickoff and punt returns, averaging 10 yards on two punt returns and 22.90 yards on 20 kickoff returns.

I suppose we could call the 2020 season his redshirt freshman season, and it wasn’t terrible considering it was the COVID year. However, most expected Jay to take the next step as an impact player in 2021, but that’s didn’t come to fruition.

He only appeared in 10 games and saw his role diminish as the season progressed, finishing with 17 tackles, four passes defended, and two interceptions. The latter came when the staff would put him in on hail mary opportunities on defense.

Jay is one of the most athletic players on the team and can be a difference-maker for the Noles in 2022, provided he can stay healthy and get his mind right. The 2022 season is likely his last opportunity to become the guy everyone thought he’d be.

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