Defensive Backs Rising To New Heights Under FSU's Patrick Surtain Sr. During Preseason

The defensive backfield has been competing at a high level throughout the preseason.

With kickoff against LSU just ten days away, fall camp is slowly transitioning into game prep for the season opener. One of the top offenses in the country is going up against one of the best defenses in college football.

FSU Football Fall Camp Observations: Seminoles Kick Off Final Week Of Preseason With A Bang

A key component of that defense are the defensive backs, who have consistently been outstanding over the past few weeks. Coached by Patrick Surtain Sr., an 11-year NFL vet, and former high school coach at one of South Florida’s top programs as well as the Miami Dolphins, Surtain's new presence at Florida State has certainly brought a positive change to the program.

A major reason Surtain is able to coach his players the way he does is because he puts an emphasis on their relationships off the field just as much as he does on the field.

When asked what he had to do to earn the players' trust, Surtain had a simple answer, “I just had to be myself, and be a no-nonsense guy.” Coach Surtain noted that this is something he has done at all levels he coached, whether it was high school or the NFL and now in college.

Surtain added that most of the players have a long way to go and if they put their trust in him, he plans on doing whatever he can to get them there.

While there are many returning players and older transfers in FSU’s DB unit, Surtain spoke highly of some of the younger players, specifically true freshman Conrad Hussey and sophomore Azareye’h Thomas.

Hussey joined the Seminoles in June, and has been making his presence known, whether it’s on the field working with coaches, or off the field studying film and learning how to grow as a football player.

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Surtain said. “Sometimes it gets hard for him but he’s coming in and asking questions. He wants to learn, he wants to be great.”

Thomas is coming off a true freshman season where he saw playing time in 11 games. On the field, he had 14 tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup. While he was injured in the spring, Thomas has bounced back quickly and has been a huge playmaker for the Seminoles, often going up against receivers Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman during practice.

”He’s 100% now, he’s confident, he’s making plays.” Surtain said. “We’re looking for him to have a big time year.”

Surtain’s emphasis on growing the younger players not just by himself, but with the help of the older players as well means FSU’s history of producing standout defensive backs is nowhere near the end.

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READ MORE: Florida State Beginning To Shift Focus to Season-Opener Against LSU

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