DB EARL LITTLE JR.
How could I begin this list without including the Rover safety Earl Little Jr? The former Alabama transfer performed well against his old team. Little Jr. was raved about by the coaching staff for his physicality.
It was on full display Saturday as Little Jr. made opposing defenders think before running or passing the football in his presence. He had a team-high nine tackles in the game. There were times when the defensive back suffered a couple of bumps and bruises, but you could tell that he gave his all for Florida State.
The fan base had its hesitancies about the former American Heritage High School standout due to his not performing much last season. However, the switch from cornerback to safety midway through the year last season helped him confidence and development as a player.
I expect Little Jr. to continue being the alpha leader of the defense as Tony White asks for aggression and physicality.