Ronald Darby

Like most of the players at Florida State, Darby signed with the Seminoles as a very highly regarded prep prospect, ranking as a consensus top 50 overall prospect by recruiting services. The fascination with Darby extended beyond just the football field and onto the track, where he was a member of the gold medal-winning USA medley relay at the 2011 World Youth Championships in France and not surprisingly won the 100-yard and 200-yard dashes to help Potomac High School win the state 3A track championship in Maryland. Darby immediately proved a difference-maker with the Seminoles, playing in all 14 games as a true freshman and earning the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year award with 22 tackles and tying for the team-lead with eight pass breakups. He wasn't as flashy as a sophomore, registering just 14 tackles despite playing in all 14 games again (including nine starts) and intercepting two passes. Darby recorded a career-high 43 tackles for the Seminoles in 2014 and broke up four passes. Shortly after Florida State's loss to Oregon in the Rose Bowl, he announced his intentions to enter the 2015 draft. Scouts can check off a lot of boxes with Darby. He possesses extraordinary speed and proved with greater physicality in 2014 that he's not just a track guy in shoulder pads. Darby has also shown improved awareness and ball-skills throughout his career. He isn't as polished as some of the top corners in the 2015 class, but possesses a tantalizing upside that could warrant Day Two consideration.

has a low, quick backpedal and has fluid hips that allow him to turn and easily run with even explosive receivers. doesn't rely on a jam at the line of scrimmage to slow receivers but will deliver one on occasion, showing a good, physical pop to disrupt timing with the quarterback. good patience in off-coverage, showing the poise to allow receivers to commit to deep routes before turning to transition. improved awareness in coverage, showing a quick burst to break on the ball and good hand-eye coordination to slap away passes.

Isn't the most physical corner in run support but showed improved grit in 2014. Willing to lower his shoulder into ball-carriers and is a generally reliable open-field tackler. An immediate standout at Florida State and steadily improved throughout his career. Could be just scratching the surface of his potential.

some question as to his real physicality. was more willing to lower a shoulder into ball-carriers but will do some standing around the pile and let teammates do the dirty work, on occasion. only two interceptions in three seasons at florida state.

Comes with some character red flags. Was part of the rape investigation involving teammate Jameis Winston and was placed under review by Florida State's Code of Conduct policy which initially accused Darby and another teammate of "conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment." None of the players were ultimately charged.

strengths

While perhaps slightly shorter than preferred, Darby possesses a solid build with good overall weight distribution. Excellent timed speed that translates well to the field.

weaknesses

Showed improved awareness in 2014 but remains a better athlete than football player at this time. Too often relies on his speed to cover receivers, losing technique by allowing receptions on underneath routes too often.

One of the fastest players in the nation and a five-star recruit according to 247Sports as the nation's top cornerback and 16th overall national prospect

also a four-star recruit according to both ESPN and Rivals

rated the No. 2 cornerback in the country according to Rivals and the second-best players in the state of Maryland by the same recruiting service

considered the No. 38-ranked prospect in the country according to ESPN

defender that can excel on both defense and special teams

participated in the 2012 Under Armour All-American Game

USA Today 2011 All-USA second team All-American

second team All-Met by the Washington Post as a junior and an honorable mention honoree as a senior

honorable mention all-state as an all-purpose player as a senior

part of a Wolverines' secondary that registered four shutouts and allowed just 82 points in 2011

SI.com 2011 High School first team All-American

played six positions as a high school senior, including kicker

as a junior, rushed for 1,329 yards and 23 touchdowns, while tallying three interceptions and eight pass breakups on defense

runs a 4.37-seconds 40-yard dash

an elite track performer who is expected to contribute to FSU's nationally-renowned sprint contingent immediately

his talent running the curves have drawn comparisons to two-time FSU NCAA 200 champion and Olympian Maurice Mitchell

led Potomac to the Maryland 3A state team title as a senior, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes

was member of gold medal-winning USA medley relay at the 2011 World Youth Championships in France

has run a 6.28-seconds 55-meter dash and a 21.05 200-meter dash

chose Florida State over Notre Dame, Maryland, Clemson and Auburn.