FSU FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER
Florida State football did not have a memorable season in 2024, where they finished with a 2-10 record in a campaign that they want to forget. The Seminoles have to redeem themselves, where they have the luxury of playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2025 season opener.
Luckily, the fan base will be behind them as they take on Kalen DeBoer's squad in the newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium. The outsiders think that Florida State doesn't have a chance since they have to guard the likes of Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and Isaiah Horton.
I am not here to make the bold claim that the Seminoles will completely shut down the Crimson Tide's playmakers. However, I do have trust in defensive back coaches Patrick Surtain Sr. and Evan Cooper and their young, talented position group.
The room is filled with capable pieces such as Earl Little Jr., Shyheim Brown, Edwin Joseph, Charles Lester III, Conrad Hussey, Cai Bates, Jamari Howard, Shamar Arnoux, Quindarrius Jones, KJ Kirkland, and Jeremiah Wilson (just to name a few).
RAWLS IS THE REAL DEAL
However, fans often forget about redshirt sophomore cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls. Defensive coordinator Tony White had high praise for Rawls as he referred to him as "an NFL prospect". The former three-star prospect has been putting in the work this offseason, where he is already up to 185 pounds (from previously being at 170 pounds).
The Pensacola, Florida, native did not do too much last season (who did, though?), where he finished with 14 tackles in the eleven games that he appeared in. Coach White runs a multiple 3-3-5 defensive scheme that confuses opposing offenses. He likes to utilize defensive backs in the box as well.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Rawls start versus the Crimson Tide. I believe the biggest topic with him getting the nod will be what the coaching staff does with Earl Little Jr. and Edwin Joseph in the rotation.