ESPN names two Florida State defensive stars among top 100 players for 2024 season

With the spotlight firmly on Payton, he has a chance to be the next star defensive end at Florida State, following in the footsteps of Jared Verse and Jermaine Johnson II. Payton was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and followed that up with 44 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and ten pass deflections last year.

“It seems counterintuitive that a player with 14.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and 10 passes defensed had a ‘quiet’ season, but Payton was often overshadowed last season on defense with Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Kalen DeLoach grabbing more headlines,” ESPN wrote. “That won’t be the case in 2024, as Payton is poised to have his best season yet.”

Thomas is a rising star on Florida State’s roster and could quickly become a national name early this season. His combination of height, athleticism and competitiveness make him a challenge for any wide receiver. Thomas was ranked as the No. 14 cornerback on the top 100, but he has elevated his game to a higher level this fall and will likely find himself moving up this list by the end of the year.

The junior cornerback is a big reason the Seminoles aren’t expected to take a step back in the secondary despite losing three starters to the NFL. Last year, he racked up 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 10 pass deflections.

“A big, long corner who head coach Mike Norvell describes as a future All-American, Thomas showed flashes of his immense potential in 2023, racking up 12 pass breakups, a forced fumble and 4.5 tackles for loss,” ESPN wrote. “Thomas contested 24 of his 35 passes and allowed just 172 yards and one touchdown all season. He played in pressure coverage on nearly half of his coverage snaps, but only two passes were completed for 20 yards or more against him.”

Payton and Thomas will get a chance to showcase their talents when Florida State opens its season against Georgia Tech on Aug. 24.

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