Spring practice is underway in Tallahassee as Florida State has the unenviable task of replacing its winningest senior class ever. The Seminoles not only lose seven senior starters on offense, but FSU also loses five players early to the NFL Draft with four coming on defense. The future remains bright for Florida State as the ‘Noles hope to build on three consecutive ACC crowns, but there are a number of faces that will most definitely be missed. Here are the 10 players FSU will miss most in 2015:
10. Ronald Darby, CB
Ronald Darby didn’t have a career filled with highlights as some anticipated when he arrived in Tallahassee, but for a cornerback, that’s not a bad thing. Though the interception numbers are fairly modest, Darby was an excellent cover corner and showed great technique in his three years as a Seminole. Darby is projected to be selected as high as the second round in next month’s draft.
9. Mario Edwards Jr., DE
Mario Edwards Jr. never really lived up to the hype that surrounded him as the top player in the country out of high school, but few players set the edge better than Edwards. At nearly 300 pounds, Edwards was incredibly athletic and quick from his end position. After coming into his own midway through his sophomore season, Edwards was named All-ACC as a junior in 2014.
8. Karlos Williams, RB
A 5-star safety recruit out of high school, Karlos Williams had a knack for being clutch regardless of which side of the football he was on. With a mix of speed and size, Williams scored a 65-yard touchdown on his first career carry. Williams’ fake punt run for a first down in the 2014 BCS National Championship served as the catalyst for a 21-point turnaround as FSU stunned Auburn. As a senior, Williams scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime as FSU topped Clemson 23-17. While playing safety, Williams’ lone career interception came in 2012 and cemented Florida State’s first ACC championship in seven years.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 06: Defensive back P.J. Williams #26 of the Florida State Seminoles intercepts a pass in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the 2014 Vizio BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl on January 6, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
7. P.J. Williams, CB
An excellent cover man with good size, P.J. Williams had the ability to lock opposing receivers down on the outside. Williams recorded 7.5 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at Florida State and four interceptions. His pick of Auburn’s Nick Marshall in the 2014 BCS National Championship was key in helping the Seminoles overcome an early 21-3 deficit.
6. Tre’ Jackson, G
A consensus All-American, Tre’ Jackson was one of the best Seminoles ever to man the guard position. Jackson’s size and tremendous power made him a staple of the FSU ground game. A three-year starter, Jackson was part of an offense in 2013 that set a FBS record for points scored in a season.
5. Eddie Goldman, DT
A 5-star recruit out of the nation’s capital, Eddie Goldman came into his own for Florida State as a junior in 2014. Goldman ranked second on the team with four sacks and established himself as one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the country. Goldman may have saved Florida State’s ACC title hopes in September as he stripped Clemson running back C.J. Davidson of the ball in the red zone with the Tigers driving to win the game.
4. Nick O’Leary, TE
A consensus All-American and the only FSU player ever to win the John Mackey Award, Nick O’Leary is unarguably the best tight end ever to play for the Seminoles. O’Leary scored 18 touchdowns over his four-year career, which is the most ever by a Florida State tight end. In his final home game, O’Leary struck pay-dirt twice as the Seminoles defeated rival Florida 24-19.
3. Cameron Erving, T
From seldom-used defensive tackle to All-American offensive lineman, Cameron Erving is one of the most successful Seminoles ever to move from one side of the ball to another. Erving spent most of his FSU career manning the left tackle position, but struggles in the middle in 2014 forced Erving to move to center late in the year. In his time at FSU, Erving not only performed at a high level, but blossomed into one of the true leaders for a prolific offensive attack.
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 30: Jameis Winston #5 of the Florida State Seminoles passes against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half of the Advocare Cowboys Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
2. Jameis Winston, QB
The youngest player ever to win the Heisman Trophy, quarterback Jameis Winston wound up being the guy that ultimately brought FSU all the way back. In 27 career starts, Winston was defeated just once while completing more than 66 percent of his passes during his career. After leading Florida State to a national championship and one of the more dominating seasons ever as a freshman, Winston engineered four game-winning drives in the final quarter as a sophomore in 2014.
1. Rashad Greene, WR
Though Jameis Winston will always hold a special place in Florida State fans’ hearts, the biggest loss in 2015 may be that of receiver Rashad Greene. The all-time leading receiver at FSU, Greene was a contributor from the moment he set foot on campus. Greene was a member of three ACC title teams and is the only Seminole ever to lead the team in receiving in four straight seasons. Greene’s career concluded with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. In 2013, he became the first Seminole in over a decade to hit that mark. Greene had a knack for the big moment as his 49-yard catch and run ultimately set up the winning score in the Seminoles’ victory over Auburn in the 2014 BCS title game. Greene’s late 39-yard touchdown against Virginia Tech in 2012 helped pull out a victory that was a must-have for Florida State to capture its first ACC crown in seven years.
