Rumors or Reality? Quindarrius Jones’ 2025 Promotion Could Define Florida State’s Defense

Florida State’s defense has a tall task ahead in 2024, especially in the secondary, where the Seminoles will be losing their top three cornerbacks: Azareye’h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, and Kevin Knowles II. While these departures will undoubtedly leave a void, the Noles’ defensive backfield may not be as bare as some might think. With talent in the pipeline and a promising candidate emerging in Quindarrius Jones, Florida State’s defensive coaching staff is poised to reload, not rebuild.

The Departure of the Cornerback Trio

Thomas, Cypress, and Knowles were vital to Florida State’s defense last season, but the Noles’ secondary didn’t necessarily struggle due to their performance. Despite the trio’s individual success, FSU’s defense as a whole had a major issue in generating turnovers, with just four interceptions in 12 games—a statistic that stands out like a sore thumb in today’s pass-happy college football. The defensive backfield, though competent in coverage, wasn’t able to turn plays into game-changing moments, and that lack of takeaways certainly hindered the team’s ability to create momentum.

Still, it’s important to note that the defensive backs weren’t the main culprit in Florida State’s overall struggles. Issues such as a lack of consistent pass rush, a failure to consistently win in one-on-one situations, and the occasional blown assignment across the entire defense contributed to the team’s inability to stop offenses when it mattered most.

However, the loss of the top cornerback trio means that head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Tony White will need to get creative and rely on new faces to step up in the secondary. Thankfully, Florida State has one key player already in-house who could emerge as the leader of the cornerback group: Quindarrius Jones.

The Rise of Quindarrius Jones

Enter Quindarrius Jones, a name that might not ring a bell to many casual FSU fans, but one that should be closely watched in the upcoming season. The Meridian, Mississippi native was a three-star recruit in the 2023 cycle, an under-the-radar prospect who, despite not receiving a heavy in-state recruitment from Mississippi’s major programs, chose to sign with Florida State over all other suitors. Listed at 6’2″ and 187 pounds, Jones brings a desirable blend of size, athleticism, and potential to the cornerback position.

Jones wasn’t a highly rated recruit, but his talent has quickly become evident. In 2024, he played in all 12 games for Florida State, recording 12 tackles, one for loss, and three pass deflections. What stood out most about Jones’ play was his ability to match up against opposing receivers in man-to-man coverage, which is one of the most crucial traits for a cornerback in today’s spread offenses. His ability to stick with receivers, play physically at the line of scrimmage, and make plays on the ball already caught the attention of fans and coaching staff alike.

Despite being a sophomore, Jones may very well be the most experienced returning cornerback for Florida State in 2024. While he didn’t have a ton of interceptions (no one did in 2024 for the Noles), his ability to disrupt passing lanes and close quickly on the football gives him a higher ceiling than many of the incoming freshmen.

The Tony White Defense: A Scheme Fit for Jones

There’s no question that Quindarrius Jones will need to adjust to Tony White’s new defensive system—the 3-3-5 alignment. This scheme, which emphasizes speed, versatility, and hybrid players, relies on effective pass rushers, dynamic safeties, and cornerbacks who can lock down receivers in coverage. While Jones will have to make some adjustments to the intricacies of the defense, his skill set is a strong fit for White’s system.

The 3-3-5 defense requires cornerbacks to play tight coverage and be aggressive in man-to-man situations, which is where Jones thrives. Additionally, with an increased focus on the pass rush, Jones will benefit from a defensive front that can apply pressure on the quarterback, making his job in coverage even easier. The ability to play freely, without constantly being asked to cover for extended periods of time, will allow Jones to use his length, speed, and ball skills to his advantage.

The key to this defense’s success will be the ability of Jones and the other cornerbacks to win one-on-one matchups, especially in critical third-and-long situations. Given that the Seminoles struggled to create turnovers in 2024, Jones’ role in the secondary could evolve into one where his ability to create interceptions and pass breakups becomes vital to the defense’s success in 2025 and beyond.

The Recruiting Pipeline: Helping Hands on the Way

Florida State fans can take solace in the fact that cornerback depth is not an issue in Tallahassee. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., known for his elite recruiting acumen, has locked up a strong 2024 class. Four-star prospects Charles Lester III, Jamari Howard, Cai Bates, and Ricky Knight III represent a very talented incoming crop of defensive backs who will help ease the transition for FSU’s cornerback unit. These young players, though talented, likely won’t be thrust into starting roles right away, but they’ll provide significant depth and competition for playing time.

Of course, Jones will be the player to watch in 2024 and beyond. While the incoming freshmen may have star potential, it’s Jones’ year to solidify himself as the Noles’ number-one cornerback.

The Bottom Line

With Azareye’h Thomas, Fentrell Cypress II, and Kevin Knowles II departing, there’s no sugarcoating the challenge that Florida State faces in replacing its top cornerbacks. But if there’s one player who could step up and become a key piece of the puzzle, it’s Quindarrius Jones. His size, skill set, and potential are undeniable, and with the right fit in Tony White’s 3-3-5 defense, Jones has a chance to emerge as one of the top cornerbacks in the ACC.

The Noles may face a transition in the secondary, but the future looks bright, with Jones leading the charge and a talented group of freshmen waiting in the wings. It’s time to get excited about Florida State’s cornerback situation—and Quindarrius Jones could be the next big name to rise in Tallahassee.