Florida State will be losing its top three cornerbacks this season as Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, and Kevin Knowles II will be moving on from the garnet and gold.
The Seminoles' defensive unit struggled to get takeaways from a season ago when Florida State only had four interceptions in twelve games. However, the defensive backs were not the reason that the Seminoles struggled in the year.
Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has recruited well during his time with the Seminoles. During the 2024 recruiting cycle, he secured four-star prospects Charles Lester III, Jamari Howard, Cai Bates, and Ricky Knight III. While I do think that all of them are very talented, I have someone else in mind who should be the leading candidate for being the number one cornerback.
That would be former three-star cornerback Quindarrius Jones from Meridian, Mississippi from the 2023 recruiting cycle. He was not heavily recruited by the Mississippi schools where Florida State was his only offer. He was an intriguing prospect where he was listed at 6'2" and 187 pounds.
Jones played in all 12 games for Florida State during the 2024 season. He recorded 12 tackles (one for loss) and three pass deflections. His man-to-man coverage was something that stood out to Seminole fans about his skill set.
I realize that Quindarrius will have to adjust to defensive coordinator Tony White's new 3-3-5 defensive scheme, but his play should translate well in a defense that requires pass rushers to get home to opposing offenses and allow him to play more freely.