Best college football players of all time from every state

Florida – Deion Sanders

Like with California, the same problem exists picking the greatest college football player from the most talent-rich state is impossible.

That said, Deion “Prime Time” Sanders should get a fair shot at being said consensus selection, as he is arguably the greatest cornerback in college football history. Not only likely the greatest, but Sanders may also be the most recognizable name to even the most casual college football fan.

Sanders earned first-team All-American honors in his sophomore and junior seasons with the Florida State Seminoles, despite falling to third-team All-American status for his senior year. He was consistently one of the most dangerous return men in football during his playing days, and lightning-fast reflexes made him a dominant force on the field.

During his time at Florida State, Sanders returned 126 punts for 1,429 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per return, and taking three in for touchdowns. Sanders won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1988, his senior campaign, for the nation’s top defensive back, in a season where he picked off five passes, returning two for touchdowns.

Selected with the No. 5 pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, Sanders went on to eight Pro Bowl, two Super Bowl championships, and 53 interceptions (22 total TDs), in a Hall of Fame career.

Tim Tebow, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis make good cases too.