FSU Football Top 40: Gamecock transfers headline players No. 6-10
It's time to look ahead to the 2021 Florida State football season with Warchant's annual list of the Top 40 players on the Seminoles' roster -- the players we expect to make the biggest impact for FSU this fall. (Note: This is not necessarily the 40 most talented players, but the players we believe will have the opportunity and capability to make the biggest impact this season.)
The list was compiled through voting by Warchant's Gene Williams, Ira Schoffel, Corey Clark, Aslan Hajivandi and ESPN-Tallahassee's Jeff Cameron. The Top 40 will be revealed in segments. It began with players No. 40 through No. 31 and was followed by players No. 30 through No. 21 and No. 20 through 11.
It continues today with players No. 10 through 6.
(Be sure to watch the accompanying video below)
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No. 10 -- Redshirt sophomore linebacker Amari Gainer
Extremely productive defender who led the Seminoles in tackles last season despite seeing limited playing time in three or four games. Florida State's coaches did not use Gainer in certain personnel packages in 2020, which led to him playing less than 30 snaps in three games and only 41 in another. That shouldn't be a concern in 2021. The Seminoles are determined to keep Gainer on the field as much as possible this season, and he should be one of their top defensive playmakers.
Gainer is not only extremely athletic, but he plays with great energy and is not shy about delivering big hits. He also has added more than 15 pounds this offseason, which should help as he sees more playing time in the box. This will be a big season for Gainer to show improvement in pass coverage and also rushing the passer.
Individual rankings:
Gene (5); Ira (6); Corey (11); Jeff (11); Aslan (14).
No. 9 -- Redshirt senior defensive end Keir Thomas
One of several veteran transfers FSU brought in this offseason, he is expected to line up as the defensive end opposite Jermaine Johnson. FSU's coaches did not get to see Thomas participate in team drills this spring because he was rehabilitating from an injury, but his resume speaks for itself. At South Carolina, he started more than 30 games and was a mainstay on the Gamecocks' defensive line.
Thomas played both defensive end and tackle at his former school, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him line up at multiple spots this season for the 'Noles. But given FSU's need for experience and playmaking ability on the edge, that should be his primary position. In just seven games last fall, Thomas racked up 32 tackles, 5.5 stops for loss and three sacks.
Individual rankings:
Corey (3); Gene (9); Ira (10); Aslan (13); Jeff (13).
No. 8 -- Redshirt freshman center Maurice Smith
Started seven of the eight games he played in last season and earned Freshman All-America honors from Rivals.com. Though he doesn't possess great size -- Smith is currently listed by FSU at 6-3 and 277 pounds -- he has been a solidifying force in the middle of the offensive line. He is usually very consistent with his snaps, and he has shown to be a serviceable blocker.
The more time Smith gets in the weight room will only make him better, and he should see substantial improvement in 2021 after his first full offseason with the Seminoles' strength and conditioning staff. He is one of several second- and third-year players whose physical development was slowed in 2020 by the pandemic.
Individual rankings:
Jeff (7); Aslan (8); Corey (9); Gene (11); Ira (11).
No. 7 -- Redshirt freshman running back Lawrance Toafili
Only saw substantial action in three or four games last season, but showed tremendous potential nearly every time he was on the field. Toafili averaged an eye-popping 9.6 yards per carry and also caught 12 passes for 120 yards. The only problem was that his playing time was limited due to injury.
A major point of emphasis this offseason has been gaining size and strength, which should help in terms of durability. Toafili also will have a much better understand of Mike Norvell's offense this fall, which should allow him to be used in a variety of ways -- at running back, in the slot and even out wide at receiver. If he can stay healthy, there's a strong chance Toafili will be one of the Seminoles' top offensive weapons.
Individual rankings:
Aslan (4); Corey (8); Ira (9); Jeff (9); Gene (14).
No. 6 -- Redshirt sophomore defensive back Jammie Robinson
They were not a package deal, but he joined teammate DE Keir Thomas in transferring from South Carolina to Florida State this offseason. And he was one of the most impressive players on the Seminoles' defense during spring practice. Robinson stepped in as the starting nickelback from day one and played nearly every snap there with the first-team defense.
Robinson was extremely productive during his two seasons with the Gamecocks, earning Freshman All-America honors in 2019 and then shining as a full-time starter in 2020. Despite playing safety, Robinson ranked second on the team with 74 tackles in 10 games, and he also broke up four passes and recorded an interception. He brings a major physical presence and showed very impressive intelligence and instincts in the spring.
Individual rankings:
Ira (5); Aslan (6); Gene (7); Jeff (8); Corey (13).
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