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Florida State Football: 5 reasons why Seminoles will win 2017 national title

By Erich Hilkert

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Deondre Francois #12 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up prior to their Capitol One Orange Bowl game against the Michigan Wolverines at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Deondre Francois #12 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up prior to their Capitol One Orange Bowl game against the Michigan Wolverines at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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WINSTON SALEM, NC – OCTOBER 03: Derwin James #3, Jacob Pugh #16 and Trey Marshall #20 of the Florida State Seminoles tackle Cam Serigne #85 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at BB&T Field on October 3, 2015 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Florida State won 24-16. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
WINSTON SALEM, NC – OCTOBER 03: Derwin James #3, Jacob Pugh #16 and Trey Marshall #20 of the Florida State Seminoles tackle Cam Serigne #85 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during their game at BB&T Field on October 3, 2015 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Florida State won 24-16. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

1. Elite secondary

Florida State has one of the best secondaries in the nation. Derwin James was sidelined last season by injury, but he is probably the most talented player in the unit and will lead at free safety. He had five pass breakups in 2015 as a true freshman from the safety position.

More: Florida State Football: 2017 preview, predictions

Strong safety Trey Marshall started all 13 games last season, as did first team All-American cornerback Tarvarus McFadden. Opposite McFadden is AJ Westbrook who started eight games last season and finished with four passes broken up.

Marshall led the unit with 58 tackles. McFadden finished the season with eight interceptions and six passes broken up, as he lead the ACC in interceptions and led the team in passes broken up.

The Seminoles have plenty of depth at the position as well. Ermon Lane continues his transition from the wide receiver position. He had three pass deflections last season at safety. In limited snaps, backup cornerbacks Kyle Meyers and Levonta Taylor finished with 17 and 16 tackles, respectively.

Next: College Fotball: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Having nine returning starters on defense and getting James back makes the Seminoles defense potent, especially in the secondary.

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