The two-time All-America cornerback led FSU to a 37-4 mark during his three seasons
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State junior cornerback Jalen Ramsey will enter the NFL Draft.
The Seminoles’ two-time All-American announced in a statement he will forgo his final year of eligibility to pursue his dream of the NFL.
“Today, after having in depth discussions with my parents, my coaches and others whom I hold dear to my heart, I am announcing my decision to pursue my dream, forgo my senior year of football at Florida State and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft,” Ramsey said in the statement.
A versatile and aggressive defender and a leader for FSU, Ramsey started all 41 games of his career and finished with 180 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 23 pass breakups and three interceptions.
“I’m extremely happy for Jalen and his family,” Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “I think it is a very smart decision by him. He will be a tremendous pro. He was an outstanding player and leader for us. I cannot say enough good things about him. I wish him nothing but the best and he will always be a part of the Florida State family.”
Ramsey began his career by becoming the first true freshman to start at cornerback since Deion Sanders before moving to safety and helping lead the Noles to the 2013 BCS National Championship.
In 2014, the Smyrna, Tenn., native collected First Team All-ACC and All-America honors after moving to the nickelback “star” position where he wreaked havoc as a playmaker by making 79 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 12 PBUs and two interceptions.
As a junior in 2015, Ramsey again switched positions – this time back to cornerback. He emerged as one the nation’s best at that position and anchored a defense that ranked fifth in the country in scoring defense (15.8) entering bowl season. Ramsey was rarely tested, but still ended up with 52 tackles, 3.5 TFLs and 10 pass breakups. He was named a permanent captain by Fisher at the end of the season and became the 36th Seminole to grab consensus All-America accolades.
During his three years in Tallahassee, Florida State finished with an outstanding record of 37-4, while winning the 2013 National Championship, grabbing back-to-back ACC Championships and advancing to three consecutive BCS/New Year’s Six Bowls.
Ramsey was also a standout performer on the Florida State track & field team as a long jumper and sprinter, finishing fourth at the 2015 NCAA Indoor Championships to nab All-America honors in the long jump. He captured two individual ACC Championships in the long jump and one conference title as a member of the 4×100 relay.
Statement from Florida State junior cornerback Jalen Ramsey:
Let me begin by giving all thanks to the Lord above, who has given me the ability to not only play this game that I love, but also allowed me to stay healthy while doing so.
Today, after having in depth discussions with my parents, my coaches and others whom I hold dear to my heart, I am announcing my decision to pursue my dream, forgo my senior year of football at Florida State and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.
There are no words to describe how much I have enjoyed my time in Tallahassee, and more specifically here at Florida State. Since the first day I stepped foot on campus, I knew I made the right decision and found my second home. From the war chants and tomahawk chops that send chills shooting down my spine, to running out of the tunnel or being on the track with my teammates, I have found that there is no greater feeling than being a Seminole!
I arrived at Florida State as a boy, but now because of your unconditional love and support, I am leaving a man, a man who has accomplished many of his goals and is looking forward to what the future has in store. I am not saying that I have reached perfection, but I press on to possess that perfection Christ Jesus first possessed me. Although this season did not end the way we would have liked, I couldn’t have selected a better group of teammates and coaches to go to battle with each and every Saturday.
As I now embark on this new chapter of my life, I will take with me all the lessons I have learned here at Florida State. I would consider myself very lucky if wherever my next stop takes me, the fans are half as dedicated and supportive as those here in Tallahassee. You all have been great and I will miss each of you tremendously. I will also miss my teammates, coaches and support staff who have made these last three years the best of my life!
Again no words will ever be enough, but thank you. I’m a Nole Forever!
– Jalen
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