Ranking Florida State's 10 Fastest Players on the 2012 Roster

For a program that's featured Randy Moss, Deion Sanders and Derrick Brooks, speed is the name of the game for the Florida State Seminoles. 

Although there might not be future Hall of Famers on this year's squad, the Seminoles 2012 roster features some speedsters on both sides of the football. 

With a solid group of defensive backs and some promising young receivers, the Seminoles will lean heavily on the fleet feet of its skill-position players. 

Let's take a look at the top-10 fastest players on the Seminoles roster. 

10. Greg Dent, WR/Christian Green, WR

Both Greg Dent and Christian Green were part of Florida State’s stellar 2010 recruiting class.

Beyond their 4.5 speed, that’s where the comparisons end.

The 5’11”, 185-pound Dent came to Tallahassee as a 4-star safety before he proved he belonged at receiver in 2011.

The speedster averaged 19.7 yards per catch on just 12 receptions as a sophomore and looks to have a great upside.

Unlike Dent, Green’s journey to Tallahassee came with a lot of hype.

That’s expected when you’re a 5-star athlete who played both quarterback and receiver in high school.

The 6’2”, 206-pounder flashed glimpses of his immense potential in 2011 when he posted 26 catches for 450 yards.

Both these receivers look like building blocks of the Seminoles receiving corps.

9. James Wilder Jr., RB

Considered to be the best athlete of the 2011 signing class, James Wilder Jr. could have easily played on either side of the ball.

The former two-way high school stud opted to stick with running back when he signed with the Seminoles.

Not too bad for a kid who was ranked the No. 3 outside linebacker by Scout.com.

Although his college career has gotten off to a rocky start, there’s no denying Wilder’s terrific upside.

At 6’2”, 220 pounds with 4.55 speed, Wilder should become a bruising back in the ACC. 

8. Rodney Smith, WR

Florida State’s lone senior receiver, Rodney Smith brings a unique combination of size (6’6”, 219 pounds) to complement his 4.53 speed.

The former 4-star recruit hasn’t truly emerged as a go-to guy, but his ability to track and high point the football is an asset.

Although 68 receptions for 1,016 yards and seven touchdowns would be a good season for a future first-round pick, they’re rather pedestrian career marks for a guy with his tools. 

7. Nigel Terrell, LB

It’s not often that a linebacker makes a list for speed demons, but Nigel Terrell earns a spot here thanks in part to his tremendous athleticism.

The stocky 6’1”, 229-pounder hasn’t seen the field a lot during his career, but the former 3-star recruit could break into the lineup at outside linebacker.

The redshirt-sophomore has been clocked as fast as 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, an eye-popping number for a linebacker. 

6. Xavier Rhodes, CB

One half of Florida State’s dynamic cornerback duo, Xavier Rhodes has the makings of a future first-round pick.

Although he was recruited as a receiver, the 6’1”, 215-pounder has emerged as one of the better cornerbacks in the country.

Injuries have been a bit of a concern, but when in the lineup, he’s shown off both his ball skills and his solid 4.47 speed. 

5. Greg Reid, CB

The most decorated player on this list, Greg Reid comprises the other half of Florida State’s devastating cornerback duo.

Like many of the Seminoles defensive backs, Reid makes up for a lack of size with pure speed.

He uses his 4.45 speed to contribute as a play-making defender and a return threat on special teams. 

With another good season, Reid should hear his name called early in the 2013 NFL Draft. 

4. Nick Waisome, CB

Regarded as one of the top pure cover corners in the country, Nick Waisome once looked like a future Florida Gator before he took his talents to Tallahassee.

The former 4-star recruit received offers from some of the top programs in the country after a decorated career at South Lake High.

A true ball-hawk, Waisome combines excellent technique with 4.44 wheels. 

3. Terrence Brooks, CB

Just a 3-star recruit out of Dunnellon High, defensive back Terrence Brooks was a rather unknown part of Florida State’s speedy 2010 signing class.

Although he hasn’t broken into the starting lineup, his speed has been an asset on special teams.

The two-way high school star boasts a 4.44 40-yard dash, a solid mark for a player who goes 5’11”, 195 pounds. 

2. Rashad Greene, WR

Sophomore Rashad Greene came to Florida State as a top receiver from one of the nation’s top high school teams.

The former St. Thomas Aquinas star chose the Seminoles over in-state rivals Florida and Miami as well as LSU and Georgia.

After just one season, it’s easy to see why Jimbo Fisher and company are happy to have him.

The 6’0”, 175-pounder showed off his 4.42 wheels by becoming FSU’s premier deep threat.

As a freshman, he caught 38 passes for 596 yards and seven touchdowns.

With another offseason under his belt, Greene should emerge as a go-to weapon for quarterback E.J. Manuel. 

1. Lamarcus Joyner, S

Not only is Lamarcus Joyner the fastest player on the Seminoles roster, he may be one of the fastest players in the country.

A former 5-star cornerback, Joyner made the switch to safety in 2011 and produced in a big way.

The 5’8”, 193-pounder showed tremendous range in snagging four interceptions while chipping in 54 tackles.

Though he lacks prototypical size for a safety, his 4.34 wheels allow him to make plays all over the field.