Florida State football is already having to replace pieces in its defensive back room such as Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, and Kevin Knowles III. The Seminoles also made a new hire this offseason with safeties coach Evan Cooper. He will be working side by side with defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.
The Seminoles' coaching staff must have felt confident in the position group since they did not acquire a defensive back in the transfer portal during the first window (I guess they could still do it after the spring).
However, Florida State got some bad news on Tuesday as head football coach Mike Norvell announced that redshirt sophomore cornerback Edwin Joseph Jr. will be out for the remainder of the spring because of a minor injury.
Some of the fan base was upset because it seemed like someone always got hurt or we just had bad luck. The way I look at it is that football is a physical sport that involves contact to be made. I understand the frustration over crucial injuries happening. However, I would rather the squad be physical on defense and prepare for the Alabama season opener than be wrapped in bubble wrap.
Norvell did speak highly of redshirt sophomore cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls where he stated the following to the media on Tuesday:
"Ja'Bril Rawls has done an incredible job in the offseason, just physically. His body looks different, stronger, moving more confidently, playing faster, and embodies what a playmaker is. He gets his hands to the ball and had a couple of really nice pass breakups."
Overall, fans sometimes forget about the three-star Pensacola, Florida native. He has been someone that has progressed every year and has seen himself blossom. He played in the Seminoles' final eleven games and had been productive.
We know that Quindarrius Jones will most likely be a starter at the cornerback position. However, we will have to see who is opposite of the Mississippi native. I believe that Rawls could be a sneaky selection to monitor as we close out the spring.
4-star safety Mekhi Williams commits to the Noles on Wednesday afternoon. dark. Next. 4-star safety Mekhi Williams commits to the Noles on Wednesday afternoon