Rawls Rises: Florida State DB Impresses with Standout Offseason

With the 2025 season just around the corner, the Florida State Seminoles are facing a significant challenge in their defensive backfield. The team is replacing multiple starters in the secondary, and the coaching staff is relying on a group of relatively inexperienced players to step up and fill the void.

One player who has been making waves during the offseason is redshirt sophomore Ja'Bril Rawls. Entering his third year in Tallahassee, Rawls has firmly inserted himself into the competition to start opposite of senior cornerback Jerry Wilson. Rawls has bulked up, adding nine pounds to his frame, and now stands at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds.

Rawls' blend of size and athleticism has caught the eye of the Seminoles' coaching staff, and he recently showcased his playmaking ability during a practice session. Matched up against redshirt freshman wide receiver Elijah Moore in 1-on-1 drills, Rawls made an impressive one-handed interception that drew reactions from his teammates and coaches.

Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has been impressed with Rawls' development, noting that he had a "hell of a spring" and is starting to grasp the nuances of the new defensive scheme. While Rawls was banged up earlier in the preseason, he is now getting back on track and poised to be a key contributor for the Seminoles in the upcoming season.

With the season opener against Alabama just a few weeks away, the competition in Florida State's defensive backfield is sure to intensify. However, if Rawls' recent performance is any indication, he could be in line for a starting role and a chance to make a significant impact for the Seminoles in 2025.