Florida State football has always been known for its above-average defensive back play. This is why some individuals classify the Seminoles as "DBU". Deion Sanders, Jalen Ramsey, Terrell Buckley, Derwin James, Antonio Cromartie, and LeRoy Butler, among others, have made the place what it is today.
The Seminoles relieved the duties of Patrick Surtain Sr. this offseason, which didn't seem like a popular choice amongst the fan base and the players. We even saw Cai Bates (transferred to Wisconsin), Ja'Bril Rawls, and Ashlynd Barker enter the transfer portal after the news.
However, Florida State seems to get even better as Rawls and Barker returned to the university, then they added pieces from the portal such as MaKhi Jones (Duke), CJ Richard Jr (Illinois State), Karson Hobbs (Notre Dame), and Nehemiah Chandler (South Alabama).
The secondary looks to be one of the better units in the conference with returning safeties coach Evan Cooper and now new cornerbacks coach Blue Adams.
Mike Norvell highlights third-year defensive back, Charles Lester III
Fans get excited about the pieces that were retained, as well as the transfer portal pickups, but what about those that continue to develop in the scheme? One reporter who used to cover redshirt sophomore cornerback Charles Lester III when he was at Venice High School asked Coach Norvell how he was doing.
Mike Norvell responded by saying that the time is now for Lester III. He mentioned that he was a talented young man who appreciates his work ethic, push, and drive since January. He is challenging himself to see what it needs to look like at Florida State.
The defensive backfield has the chance to be one of the best in the conference, and when you have all of those talented players on the roster, including senior Quindarrius Jones, who was mentioned that just come back from injury.
This is a deeper room in the secondary, and Lester III will have to scratch and claw for his spot. They will not just hand over the starting job to the former four-star prospect.