Three years ago, they were key pieces to one of the greatest college football teams ever assembled. Now, they're looking to chase championship aspirations in the National Football League.
By selecting cornerback Jalen Ramsey with the No. 5 overall pick Thursday night in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars have reunited three key pieces from Florida State's 2013 national championship team -- the Jags took linebacker Telvin Smith in the fifth round of the 2014 draft and then selected wide receiver Rashad Greene in the fifth round last year.
Smith has emerged as one of the top young defensive players in the NFL, ranking second on the team last season with 128 total tackles.
Greene battled minor injuries as a rookie but still claimed the Jaguars' starting punt return job and averaged 16.7 yards on eight returns. He also caught 19 passes for 93 yards with two touchdowns.
“The last time I teamed up with them (Smith and Greene), we got a national championship,” Ramsey told the Jags' official website after his selection on Thursday.
Although they didn't get a chance to speak with Ramsey immediately after the draft, Greene and Smith were equally excited to join forces with their old teammate.
As soon as Ramsey was selected, Greene posted on Twitter, "It's gonna be a special year!!" He then tweeted "Welcome home my brother."
Smith, whose 227 tackles are the most ever for a Jacksonville player in his first two seasons, also took to social media to voice his approval.
Ramsey, who starred both as a safety and corner in college, is expected to play cornerback for the Jaguars. Head coach Gus Bradley said he believes Ramsey will fit right into their philosophy of playing predominantly press-man coverage.
“It’s super-exciting,” Ramsey told the Jaguars' official team site. “I always said I was a corner who could play those other positions. I’m glad he (Bradley) agrees with me. Being a press corner, I feel I fit in their system perfectly. At the end of the day, whatever position they want me to play -- whether they want to switch me from corner to anywhere else -- I’d be more than happy to.”
Ramsey is scheduled to be introduced at a press conference in Jacksonville on Friday afternoon.
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