The top 100 FSU football players: No. 22— defensive back Jalen Ramsey

Entering the final weeks of this countdown, it is baffling to see the amount of talent makes up the top 25. You can make an argument for any one the the remaining players as a top 10 or even top 5 player in program history and you wouldn’t get any pushback from me.

Jalen Ramsey, currently the best corner in the NFL and the next player in our countdown, is a prime example.

Speaking of a Prime, Ramsey became the first true freshman defensive back to start his first game for FSU since Deion Sanders— and what a start it was. Ramsey would nab an interception in that first game against Pitt at Heinz Field. (*Foreshadowing* Ramsey would be back making plays on an NFL field someday)

Ramsey became one of the best young defensive backs in the country that year, earning first-team freshman All-American honors, and playing a large role in a stingy defense that helped lead the ’Noles to their third national title.

Ramsey was a Swiss Army Knife for the Seminoles, playing at safety his freshman year before inheriting the infamous STAR position on FSU’s defense his sophomore year.

When thinking of Ramsey’s versatility, no game stands out quite like his performance against the Hurricanes in 2014. Florida State’s roller coaster season saw them have to dig themselves out of plenty of deficits, and that night in Miami Gardens it was Ramsey’s heroics that saved the Seminoles.

Ramsey finished the game with a ridiculous stat line that included 3 tackles (1 for a loss), a QB hurry, forced fumble, interception, and 4 pass break ups. Plus, a blocked kick for good measure:

By his third and final year in Tallahassee, Ramsey transitioned away from his STAR role and became a full-time outside corner, though he was voted a consensus All-American at safety that year. Along with that, Ramsey had a short-lived, yet prolific stint as a kick/punt returner that included sideline jersey changes before trotting on the field for special teams.

While Ramsey’s career stats might not jump out at you, his film certainly does. Ramsey shutdown opposing receivers and was a legitimate defensive weapon wherever he was positioned on the field, although he would make his NFL paychecks as a lockdown outside corner.

Ramsey went on to be selected 5th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and has quickly become the best in the league at his position.

He’d likely say he should be higher on this list, and it’s that fire that makes him great. Not to mention he has a hell of a resume to back it up.