5 FSU football defenders that impressed me in the season opener versus Alabama

Florida State's defense was on fire versus Alabama.
Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr. (0) looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Earl Little Jr. (0) looks on against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images
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DB ASHLYND BARKER

Florida State football made headlines with their projected depth chart, where they inserted safety Ashlynd Barker instead of veteran Shyheim Brown.

This speaks to the production that Barker had during the game versus Alabama, where he had three tackles and two pass breakups. Just like Ja'Bril Rawls, the former JUCO product was aggressive when he made a tackle.

This didn't look like a defensive back who was unprepared. The Columbus, Georgia native is looking to bring on the experiences, especially against East Texas A&M and Kent State.

This is exactly what defensive coordinator Tony White wanted his players to be: Physical. The three safeties had the Crimson Tide confused and made the wide receivers wish that they had never made the trip to Tallahassee.