It's time to look ahead to the 2022 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, Jeff Cameron, Aslan Hajivandi, Tom Lang and Austin Cox.
The Top 40 will be revealed in segments, continuing today with players No. 11-15. Here are the previous segments that have already been published:
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No. 15 -- Sophomore defensive back Kevin Knowles II
Was one of the breakout freshmen on the team in 2021, helping solidify the back end of the defense at nickel corner. Knowles, from McArthur High in Hollywood, Fla., played in all 12 games during his rookie season and started seven of the last eight. The Seminoles' defense — with him at nickel and Jammie Robinson at safety — improved immensely over the final two months of the season. Knowles finished with 26 tackles and two pass breakups as a freshman, but his impact on the defense was much more meaningful than the numbers he put up. He didn't give up a single touchdown all season long and shared the Devaughn Darling Defensive Freshman of the Year award for the Seminoles with fellow rookie Omarion Cooper.
Individual rankings: Gene (15), Ira (15), Corey (16), Jeff (12), Aslan (14), Tom (13), Austin (22).
No. 14 -- Redshirt sophomore running back Treshaun Ward
Florida State didn't bring in a running back in the Class of 2021, but that was because the coaches weren't all that concerned about the depth at the position. Because they had seen first-hand the previous season how good Treshaun Ward could be. Every day in practice, Ward proved to be a menace while working with the scout team against the first-team defense.
The former walk-on then paid off that trust a year ago, busting onto the scene as Jashaun Corbin's primary backup. He rushed for 515 yards and four touchdowns on just 81 carries — an average of 6.4 yards per rush. He also caught 21 passes for 185 more yards and a touchdown. Ward proved to be a legitimate weapon in the backfield for the Seminoles and should get more usage this season as he fights for the starting running back with transfer Trey Benson.
Individual standings: Gene (17), Ira (9), Corey (11), Jeff (17), Aslan (10), Tom (15), Austin (16).
No. 13 -- Redshirt junior linebacker Kalen DeLoach
Maybe the most pleasant surprise of the entire 2021 season for the Florida State defense. After doing very little during his first two years in Tallahassee, DeLoach became one of the best defensive players on the team a season ago. The Savannah, Ga., native started 11 games and finished with 69 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. He also had an interception, three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a safety. He had 10 tackles total his first two years as a Seminole. Listed at 6-foot-1, 211 pounds, he might not have the ideal size for a linebacker, but he showcased speed and physicality — especially during the second half of the season — that makes him one of the anchors of the Florida State defense heading into 2022.
Individual rankings: Gene (14), Ira (11), Corey (10), Jeff (11), Aslan (18), Tom (14), Austin (13).
No. 12 -- Redshirt sophomore running back Trey Benson
One of the most intriguing players on the team going into this fall. The Mississippi native was considered one of the best running backs in the country coming out of high school. After just nine carries in two years at Oregon — due mostly to a devastating knee injury — Benson decided to transfer to Florida State. He's listed at 6-1, 215 pounds and is one of the fastest players on the roster. He showed an impressive ability to cut and burst during spring practice and had multiple long runs against the FSU defense. Despite his impressive size, he could be the home-run hitter for the Seminoles in the backfield. And whether he beats out Treshaun Ward for the starting spot or not, he figures to get plenty of touches for the offense in 2022.
Individual rankings: Gene (7), Ira (16), Corey (18), Jeff (7), Aslan (22), Tom (9), Austin (11).
No. 11 -- Redshirt junior safety Akeem Dent
Was one of the stars of the spring for the Seminoles, routinely coming up with pass breakups and interceptions during 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 drills. After a disappointing 2020, the former five-star cornerback recruit started coming on during the middle of last season. With the move to safety now permanent, Dent seemed to get more and more comfortable each week for the Seminoles. He finished 2021 with 44 tackles and one game-clinching interception against Boston College. He also had eight tackles in the season finale against Florida. Dent, paired alongside Jammie Robinson, gives the Seminoles one of the most experienced and perhaps most talented safety combinations in the conference heading into 2022.
Individual rankings: Gene (13), Ira (13), Corey (14), Jeff (10), Aslan (7), Tom (12), Austin (14).
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