With the game against Clemson quickly approaching for Florida State, a top defensive back has been ruled out. Starting corner Quindarrius Jones left the game against Miami in Week 7 after playing just 14 snaps. Jones had a week to recover with the bye, which brought some hope, but the defender will not be able to play against Clemson.
Jones has missed two games this season now after sitting out the home game against Central Arkansas earlier in the year. Frankly, it was better for the defense to play Central Arkansas without him, so more defensive backs would be able to see the field. However, against Clemson, Florida State cannot afford to suffer another injury at an already weak position.
The secondary has been torn to shreds all year, with Karson Hobbs and Jamari Howard spending the majority of the season on the injury report. Jones has missed time, freshman Jordan Crutchfield has been unavailable most of the season, and Chuck Kennon was dismissed just as he began to recover from an injury.
Florida State has not played with a fully healthy secondary once this season, and the same thing can be said about the linebackers. Starters have to play virtually the entire game to compensate for the fact that there is no depth, and the result has been a tired defense that often falls apart late in games.
Jones missing the game against Clemson certainly hurts, but the Seminoles have been in this position multiple times already this season, and a plan is likely already in place.
What should Florida State do with Quindarrius Jones sidelined against Clemson?
With Jones out, two players will likely take over: Charles Lester III and Jordan Crutchfield, who will be making his return from an injury against Clemson. Lester has been the main replacement for Jones this season, playing 33 snaps against Miami after Jones left the game. Lester also replaced Jones for the game against Central Arkansas, logging 34 snaps.
Jones typically plays between 45 and 55 snaps each week, with his total number of snaps played increasing as the injuries in the secondary have stacked up. Lester has been covering a good portion of the missing snaps, but against Miami, Ja'Bril Rawls played 74 out of 80 possible snaps, which is something he has done multiple times this season.
Crutchfield is a natural safety, but he can move around the secondary and cover plenty of ground regardless of his position. Florida State has had a lot of issues in the secondary, but one of the biggest problems involves players sitting on the field longer than they need to. Crutchfield should be able to move around the secondary and allow multiple players to take a few extra snaps of rest.
Lester is more than likely going to resume the same role he has previously taken when Jones is forced to sit out, but the addition of a healthy Crutchfield gives the staff options. Fellow safety KJ Kirkland is expected to play, but has been dealing with an injury, which could create a different avenue to the field for Crutchfield.
In limited playing time this season, Lester has proven to be effective at times, with eight total tackles, including three against Miami after Jones left the game. Lester has struggled at times in coverage, but his ability to recover and limit additional gains is notable.
As bad as things may look on paper, this is the same position Florida State has been in all season with the secondary. Losing Jones for a game hurts, but the injury should not force the Seminoles to do something they have not already done this season.
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