Taylor out to prove he can star in versatile role for FSU

Yes. Levonta Taylor is more than aware he's a 5-foot-10 cornerback playing college football at a time when corners who are 6-1 and taller are all the rage.

It used to bother him. These days? He could care less. If anything, he relishes the chance to face bigger receivers.

"I like checking big receivers anyway because they're slower," Taylor said. "They can't really do as much."

Taylor has made it clear he appreciates a challenge. Already adept at cornerback, the Florida State sophomore has used spring camp to become a more versatile player. He's grown comfortable playing nickel and "Star," while showing he's more than capable of handing the challenge at cornerback.

Rated by Rivals as the No. 1 cornerback in the nation in 2016, Taylor would contribute early. He played in 12 games and accumulated 16 tackles, including three in FSU's 33-32 win over Michigan in the Capital One Orange Bowl.

Aside from reinforcing his versatility, Taylor has also used this spring to show he could have what it takes to replace Marquez White as the team's starting cornerback opposite junior Tarvarus McFadden.

At minimum, Taylor will be part of a defense which will enter next season as one of the more experienced and talented units of its kind. But, if Taylor can win the starting job, he'll give the Seminoles a starting secondary stacked with five-star prospects.

"Good. Playing corner, playing nickel, playing inside," Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said of Taylor's performance this spring. "Playing two or three different positions. Loves ball. Very smart guy. Loves the game. Will do anything. Very coachable. I'm very happy with him."