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It’s time to look ahead to the upcoming season by breaking down the Warchant Top 40 -- a list of the 40 players we expect to have the biggest impact for the Florida State football team. (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, which was compiled by Gene Williams and Ira Schoffel of Warchant.com, and Jeff Cameron of ESPN Radio Tallahassee, will be revealed in segments. Up next will be players 11 through 20.
Earlier installments: Players 40-31 |
Player No. 30: Redshirt Sophomore Defensive Tackle Darvin Taylor
Of all the players in our countdown, the greatest disparity of opinions likely centered around Taylor -- and for good reason. On one hand, he's entering his third year in the program and has yet to play in a game. On the other hand, he is one of the most talented players on the Seminoles' defense and showed off some of his potential this past spring when finally healthy. After recovering from major shoulder surgery, which had kept him sidelined since high school, Taylor showed impressive burst and power in the spring game. Even before that day, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher had labeled him as one of the standouts of spring.
Note: For all of his potential, Taylor will have to make his mark at a crowded position. The Seminoles have five experienced defensive tackles ahead of him, not to mention the arrival of five-star freshman Marvin Wilson.
Voting Recap: No. 23 by Ira; No. 29 by Jeff; Unranked by Gene.
Player No. 29: Sophomore Defensive Back Carlos Becker
The competition for playing time in FSU's defensive backfield will be intense this season, but Becker has the type of athletic ability that will make him an attractive option. He earned a spot in the rotation late in his freshman season and actually capped off the Orange Bowl with an interception. Then while on the Seminoles' track team this spring, he earned NCAA All-America honors in the long jump.
Note: Becker told Warchant this spring that he's worked hard on improving his press-man coverage, something he didn't get an opportunity to do at all in high school. His growth there could be important to his chances for playing time at cornerback.
Voting Recap: No. 27 by Ira; No. 31 by Jeff; No. 33 by Gene.
