College football 2018: Top 30 breakout players to watch

If the name Stanford Samuels sounds familiar to ‘Noles fans, there’s good reason. Stanford Samuels Jr., his father, was a defensive back at Florida State from 1999-2003 under Bobby Bowden.

When his son, Stanford Samuels III, committed to Florida State as a legacy in 2017, he was a huge signing for Jimbo Fisher, in what would ultimately be his last recruiting class in Tallahassee. Samuels had an immediate impact as a freshman, playing all over the defensive backfield at both corner spots, at nickel, and covering just about any position in any formation FSU saw last year. He was a huge difference maker as a utility player and gap filler last, but this season is a completely different story.

Not only is Samuels the most talented player on the back end of Florida State’s defense, he’s also the most experienced. In Willie Taggart’s first season in the ACC, Stanford Samuels III is going to be the guy. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, he has good size and length to go along with the speed and fluidity it takes to play corner against the kind of competition the ‘Noles will see in 2018.

Having the physical tools is one thing though. Having, and maintaining, the mindset, the discipline and the short memory it takes to cover the other team’s number one receiver week and in and week out as a 19-year-old, is asking a lot. If he’s up to it, Samuels could be on his way to joining a  long list of great FSU cornerbacks. He definitely has the pedigree.