Newcomers Edwin Joseph and Ja'Bril Rawls Ready to Boost FSU Secondary

Two versatile defensive backs round out an incoming class that is ready to provide a boost in Florida State's secondary.

Florida State freshmen Ja'Bril Rawls and Edwin Joseph will be new faces in the defensive lineup heading into 2023. Joseph, a former 3-star recruit from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, and Rawls, a former 3-star prospect from Pensacola Catholic in Pensacola, Florida, spoke with the media for the first time Tuesday officially as Seminoles. 

Both are versatile players capable of playing any position in the secondary

Ja'Bril Rawls

"I got here two weeks ago. It's been a great ride so far; I mean, I've been lovin' it," Rawls said regarding his time in Tallahassee. "The guys here, the older guys, treat me like family; the staff treats me like family. It's just a big family, and I'm getting closer with them each and every day, just building a bond and a good relationship with them."

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Florida State hired Patrick Surtain Sr. as the new defensive backs coach in January. Getting on campus and being able to meet his new position coach was important and Surtain seemed to have already made an impact.

"Great guy all around; I mean, not much bad you can say about him. I don't got anything bad to say about him. He's a great coach and just been there for me ever since day one, since I've been knowin' him. Our relationship is great. He's a great coach, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the both of us."

Rawls' full interview can be seen below.

Edwin Joseph 

The defensive secondary has lost a few pieces in the offseason. With Jammie Robinson heading to the NFL and Travis Jay, Omarion Cooper and Malik Feaster transferring out, there will be spaces to fill on the depth chart, and Joseph is up for the challenge.

"Personally, I'm a physical guy, so I like playing at the line, like a corner but other than that, any position that they put me at, I'll play it no matter what helps the team is what I look forward to doing. I'll step in and fill any shoes I can fill."

Competition is not unfamiliar to the young defensive back. Having played for one of the nation's top high school programs at Chaminade-Madonna Prep, he showcased his versatility as a multi-position athlete. On offense, he made an impact by catching 40 passes for 661 yards. On defense, he recorded 14 tackles and two interceptions last season.

"The high school I went to was very talented—four, five stars all around, offense and defense—and the competition we went against all season. Going against Brandon Innis and other players like that definitely helped; all about the confidence to me. I feel like that helped me with the confidence going to practice in high school. I feel like it helps me out at Florida State, just keeping that confidence and that energy I bring to the field and that effort."

Joseph's full interview can be seen below.

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