Veteran defender Kevin Knowles II stood out in Monday's practice

Florida State football had several talented defensive backs leave their roster after the 2023 season such as Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones, and Akeem Dent as they navigated to the NFL.

Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has to find viable options to replace their production. The roster has talented pieces such as Azareye'h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, Earl Little Jr., Shyheim Brown, Conrad Hussey, and Davonte Brown.

Surtain Sr. has always expressed the importance of forcing takeaways and this should be a fantastic group of defensive backs that are hungry and ready to contribute in a meaningful way.

One defensive back that fans don't quite think about often is senior Kevin Knowles II. The former McArthur High School standout was a three-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class who has moved from cornerback to safety just like Omarion Cooper.

During the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he combined to have eighteen starts. He has faced adversity during his time in Tallahassee where he has come off the bench. Knowles II recorded 31 tackles and three pass breakups last year.

Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell spoke about the senior defender after Monday's practice where he stated that he had a couple of outstanding plays and had a couple of interceptions.

This is great to see the veteran performing at a high level in practice. Hopefully, this leads to more playing time for Knowles II. Fans know that defensive coordinator Adam Fuller loves to utilize multiple defensive backs in his 4-2-5 scheme. Knowles II could be exactly what this defense needs as it looks to be a top-25 unit in 2024.

I am excited about how he responds to the great performance in Monday's practice. Can that translate to the rest of the fall camp? Will Knowles II be a meaningful contributor in 2024?