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Ja’Bril Rawls emerged as one of Florida State’s most reliable defenders in his first start at cornerback in 2025. But after an injury shortened what appeared to be a breakout campaign, Rawls felt he had unfinished business.
Rather than explore the transfer portal or test the NFL Draft waters, the Pensacola native chose to return for another year with the Seminoles, determined to finish what he started and establish himself among the ACC’s elite defensive backs.
“I would say I just had a job to finish,” Rawls told reporters during ACC Kickoff. “It was just a lot that I felt like I left out there, and I just couldn't leave home. I mean, Tallahassee is home.”
Despite starting just seven of the 12 games he appeared in as a redshirt-sophomore, Rawls recorded 40 tackles, two pass breakups and forced two turnovers. His production and consistency stood out even as he adjusted to a full-time role in Florida State’s secondary.
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Rawls’ return is about more than simply completing a healthy season. He has set ambitious goals for himself, particularly when it comes to creating turnovers.
After recording one interception last season, Rawls hopes to increase that total to five in 2026. He believes another year in defensive coordinator Tony White’s 3-3-5 system will help him reach that mark.
“Literally mainly got my eyes on the quarterback 70, 80 percent of the time,” Rawls said. “So, I mean, just me being able to play football how I want to.”
White has seen significant growth from Rawls and views him as one of the most complete cornerbacks on the roster.
“To me, Ja’Bril is a complete corner,” White told the Tallahassee Democrat. “He can do everything.”
White pointed to performances against Alabama and Virginia as examples of Rawls’ versatility and football instincts. The next step, he said, is ensuring Rawls can physically withstand an entire season.
“I think it’s just him physically, getting his body in position where he can last as many plays,” White said.
While White praised Rawls’ football intelligence, he emphasized that consistency and durability will determine just how high his ceiling can be.
“He’s always been a smart football player, so it is a reaffirmation that he knows what to do and how he does it,” White said. “For him, it’s going out there and being consistent in his performance.”
If Rawls can stay healthy, Florida State believes he has the talent to become one of the ACC’s top defensive backs.
First-year cornerbacks coach Blue Adams quickly became impressed with Rawls after arriving in Tallahassee. Adams described Rawls as a unique competitor unlike any defensive back he has coached.
“He is one of one,” Adams said. “He is his own man.”
Although Adams praised Rawls’ athletic ability and ball skills, he challenged him to focus on the finer details of the position.
“Rather than looking at the big picture, you scale it down and say, ‘Hey man, we want you to be the best technician,’” Adams said. “He has unbelievable ball skills, can change directions and has skill sets that he brings to the table. It’s about the small techniques that he has to master day in and day out. That will elevate him to a high level.”
More: How John Garrett is approaching roster construction with FSU football
Rawls’ development has extended beyond his on-field performance.
Alongside fellow defensive back Ashlynd Barker, Rawls has become one of the voices of Florida State’s secondary. While leadership did not come naturally at first, teammates have noticed his willingness to speak up and hold everyone accountable.
“I feel like he’s always the one to say what’s going wrong,” Barker said. “It’s kind of awkward because you don’t want to be that type of person and just be like, ‘Oh, he’s on me again. He’s on me again.’ But that’s what a team needs.”
Rawls said he traditionally preferred to let his preparation and work ethic speak for themselves. As his confidence has grown, so has his willingness to lead.
“I would say more so leading by example, having the guys come along as well,” Rawls said. “Last year I kind of was just going along with the flow. I wasn’t as vocal. Once I got the hang of it and knew that I could be one of the ones, I just felt like leading by example every day and showing the younger guys how to be the best version of themselves.”
For Rawls, 2026 represents an opportunity to turn promise into production.
The talent has never been in question. Neither have his work ethic nor his confidence. Now, the challenge is staying healthy, refining his technique and continuing to grow as a leader.
If those pieces come together, Rawls could become one of the ACC’s premier cornerbacks and a cornerstone of Florida State’s defense. More importantly, he can complete the job he believes was left unfinished.
More: How much can FSU football improve in 2026? Can Mike Norvell save it?
More: Why FSU football's tight ends could benefit from Mike Norvell calling plays
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ja'Bril Rawls returns to complete Unfinished Business at FSU
Continue reading...
Rather than explore the transfer portal or test the NFL Draft waters, the Pensacola native chose to return for another year with the Seminoles, determined to finish what he started and establish himself among the ACC’s elite defensive backs.
“I would say I just had a job to finish,” Rawls told reporters during ACC Kickoff. “It was just a lot that I felt like I left out there, and I just couldn't leave home. I mean, Tallahassee is home.”
Despite starting just seven of the 12 games he appeared in as a redshirt-sophomore, Rawls recorded 40 tackles, two pass breakups and forced two turnovers. His production and consistency stood out even as he adjusted to a full-time role in Florida State’s secondary.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
'He's a complete corner': Ja'Bril Rawls aims high turnover numbers
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Rawls’ return is about more than simply completing a healthy season. He has set ambitious goals for himself, particularly when it comes to creating turnovers.
After recording one interception last season, Rawls hopes to increase that total to five in 2026. He believes another year in defensive coordinator Tony White’s 3-3-5 system will help him reach that mark.
“Literally mainly got my eyes on the quarterback 70, 80 percent of the time,” Rawls said. “So, I mean, just me being able to play football how I want to.”
White has seen significant growth from Rawls and views him as one of the most complete cornerbacks on the roster.
You must be registered for see images attach
“To me, Ja’Bril is a complete corner,” White told the Tallahassee Democrat. “He can do everything.”
White pointed to performances against Alabama and Virginia as examples of Rawls’ versatility and football instincts. The next step, he said, is ensuring Rawls can physically withstand an entire season.
“I think it’s just him physically, getting his body in position where he can last as many plays,” White said.
While White praised Rawls’ football intelligence, he emphasized that consistency and durability will determine just how high his ceiling can be.
“He’s always been a smart football player, so it is a reaffirmation that he knows what to do and how he does it,” White said. “For him, it’s going out there and being consistent in his performance.”
If Rawls can stay healthy, Florida State believes he has the talent to become one of the ACC’s top defensive backs.
First-year cornerbacks coach Blue Adams quickly became impressed with Rawls after arriving in Tallahassee. Adams described Rawls as a unique competitor unlike any defensive back he has coached.
“He is one of one,” Adams said. “He is his own man.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Although Adams praised Rawls’ athletic ability and ball skills, he challenged him to focus on the finer details of the position.
“Rather than looking at the big picture, you scale it down and say, ‘Hey man, we want you to be the best technician,’” Adams said. “He has unbelievable ball skills, can change directions and has skill sets that he brings to the table. It’s about the small techniques that he has to master day in and day out. That will elevate him to a high level.”
More: How John Garrett is approaching roster construction with FSU football
Ja'Bril Rawls grows into leadership Role
You must be registered for see images attach
Rawls’ development has extended beyond his on-field performance.
Alongside fellow defensive back Ashlynd Barker, Rawls has become one of the voices of Florida State’s secondary. While leadership did not come naturally at first, teammates have noticed his willingness to speak up and hold everyone accountable.
“I feel like he’s always the one to say what’s going wrong,” Barker said. “It’s kind of awkward because you don’t want to be that type of person and just be like, ‘Oh, he’s on me again. He’s on me again.’ But that’s what a team needs.”
Rawls said he traditionally preferred to let his preparation and work ethic speak for themselves. As his confidence has grown, so has his willingness to lead.
“I would say more so leading by example, having the guys come along as well,” Rawls said. “Last year I kind of was just going along with the flow. I wasn’t as vocal. Once I got the hang of it and knew that I could be one of the ones, I just felt like leading by example every day and showing the younger guys how to be the best version of themselves.”
For Rawls, 2026 represents an opportunity to turn promise into production.
The talent has never been in question. Neither have his work ethic nor his confidence. Now, the challenge is staying healthy, refining his technique and continuing to grow as a leader.
If those pieces come together, Rawls could become one of the ACC’s premier cornerbacks and a cornerstone of Florida State’s defense. More importantly, he can complete the job he believes was left unfinished.
More: How much can FSU football improve in 2026? Can Mike Norvell save it?
Florida State 2026 schedule
- Aug. 29: vs. New Mexico State, 7 p.m. (CW)
- Sept. 7: vs. SMU, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
- Sept. 13: Bye
- Sept. 19: at Alabama, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
- Sept. 26: vs. Central Arkansas, TBD
- Oct. 3: vs. Virginia, TBD
- Oct. 9: at Louisville, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
- Oct. 17: at Miami, TBD
- Oct. 24: Bye
- Oct. 31: vs. Clemson, TBD
- Nov. 7: at Boston College, TBD
- Nov. 13: at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. (ESPN, Friday)
- Nov. 21: vs. NC State, TBD
- Nov. 27: vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. (ABC, Friday)
More: Why FSU football's tight ends could benefit from Mike Norvell calling plays
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don't hesitate to get in touch with him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ja'Bril Rawls returns to complete Unfinished Business at FSU
Continue reading...
