FSU Football Fall Camp Preview: Cornerbacks

The Seminoles have a talented and capable room of cornerbacks under new position coach Patrick Surtain Sr. entering the preseason.

Robert Malcom | Aug 1, 2023

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Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles have produced some of the best talent in the National Football League, specifically at the cornerback position. 48 defensive backs from the program have been taken in the NFL draft, with the likes of Deion Sanders (1989 draft) and Jalen Ramsey (2016 draft) having played at Florida State. With some new additions to the squad and a few key returning players, it is safe to say that FSU is fighting for its claim as “DBU.”

The Seminoles have plenty of veterans returning in 2023 but will also introduce a high-profile transfer and multiple true freshmen into a position group led by new defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.

NoleGameday will be breaking down each position group on the roster to provide an inside look at how things could turn out with the season swiftly approaching. Our eyes turn towards a cornerback room that should have plenty of depth this fall.

Other Fall Camp Previews:

At The Surface

— Renardo Green, Redshirt Senior

Green is the most experienced among the returners and is coming off a career-best season where he recorded 58 tackles, three tackles for loss, and five pass breakups while being named honorable mention All-ACC. He's expected to play a huge role on the defense in 2023.

— Jarrian Jones, Redshirt Senior

Having played in 12 games last season with the Seminoles, ten of which he started, Jones proved that he was able to rise to expectations with 19 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception which came at a crucial point in the rivalry win against Florida. Jones was the recipient of FSU’s Defensive Most Improved Player Award.

— Fentrell Cypress II, Redshirt Junior

Coming fresh off a second-team All-ACC season, Cypress plans to make an immediate impact for the Seminoles. At Virginia in the 2022 season, he was seventh in the country in passes defended per game (1.4), second in the ACC with 14 passes defended, and fourth in the ACC in pass breakups. If Cypress can continue this dominance he will be a massive strength for FSU.

— Greedy Vance Jr., Redshirt Junior

Appearing in all 13 games in the Garnet and Gold, Vance had a stellar season with 16 tackles, three interceptions, and two pass breakups. Proving to be a major threat to any opposing team's offense, Vance looks to continue to make a name for himself at Florida State.

— Azareye’h Thomas, Sophomore

Appeared in 11 games as a freshman, and recorded 14 tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup. Considering Thomas was able to hold his own and prove to be a stellar playmaker as a freshman, it is safe to say we will be seeing more of him this season.

— Edwin Joesph, True Freshman

Joseph was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 43 overall prospect in the state of Florida. Joseph won two state titles with the Chaminade-Madonna Prep Lions in high school, playing offense and defense.

— Quindarrius Jones, True Freshman

A three-star athlete hailing from Mississippi, Jones was ranked as a top 20 player in the state by 247 ports and On3, and was ranked as the No. 28 overall player by ESPN. Jones was a dual athlete in high school, having played football as well as track and field. Jones was named second-team all-state his senior year while playing wide receiver and defensive back. Additionally, Jones was selected to play in the Alabama-Mississippi all-star game.

— Ja’Bril Rawls, True Freshman

Ranked as the No. 45 safety in the county by On3, Rawls played three seasons at Pensacola Catholic where he was one of the team's highest contributors as he contributed on offense, defense, and special teams.

Biggest Question Mark?

How quickly will Fentrell Cypress II be able to make an impact?

One of the top-rated transfers in the portal this past offseason, Cypress undoubtedly put up some of the best numbers amongst ACC cornerbacks in the 2022 season, but Mike Norvell expects more in Tallahassee this upcoming season. He'll have to unseat Jarrian Jones for the starting spot opposite of Renardo Green during fall camp.

Follow the Leader

Renardo Green has been at Florida State since 2019 and decided to stick with the program during the transition from Willie Taggart to Mike Norvell. His perseverance has paid off over time as Green has fought through injuries earlier in his career to emerge as one of the program's top defenders. Though he's more of a lead-by-example type of player, the younger players in the room follow his example.

This season, Green hopes to go full circle as the Noles have their sights set on winning their first ACC title since 2014, and winning a national title on the 10th anniversary season of the 2013 championship season, and the 20th anniversary of the 1993 championship season.

Fall Camp Outlook

The Seminoles have a group of talented and capable cornerbacks entering the preseason. The main thing they'll have to figure out in August is how the rotation ultimately shakes out. Green seems to have his spot fairly locked down. Outside of that, there's a spot opposite of him up for grabs and a fierce competition brewing at nickel.

Jones, Thomas, and Cypress are all jockeying for snaps on the outside. The redshirt senior will also push Greedy Vance for the nickel job. Regardless, this projects to be a room that the Seminoles can rely on in 2023.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season

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Published Aug 1, 2023

ROBERT MALCOM