Florida State University Athletics
Setting the Standard: Earl Little Jr. Elevates FSU Defense
10/8/2025 12:27:00 PM | Football
Defensive back Earl Little Jr. has quickly become a backbone of the Florida State Seminoles' defense. The redshirt junior led the team with seven tackles in last week's game against Miami, showcasing his impact in crucial moments.
A Fort Lauderdale native and the son of former NFL defensive back Earl Little Sr., Little Jr. brings both legacy and high-level experience to the field. He began his college career at Alabama, appearing in 11 games over two seasons, contributing primarily on special teams and in defensive snaps. He made his collegiate debut against Mississippi State and also saw action against Auburn and Austin Peay. Originally recruited as a cornerback out of high school, Little carried his coverage skills, speed, and football knowledge from South Florida to the SEC before transferring to Florida State in 2024.
After transferring to FSU, Little found his stride in the Rover role, allowing him to impact the game in coverage and near the line of scrimmage. "Making that transition to Rover, I feel like that was the right thing to do for me individually and most importantly, for the team, to create that success on the defensive side of the ball," he said. "Being a versatile dude, being able to come down to coverage, play the run, being the right fit, or being in the deep part of the field, it is a vital role. It allows me to play fast"
What sets Little apart is how his playing style elevates those around him. Versatility is at the core of his game, and he hopes his physical approach can inspire his teammates to do the same. "Just me bringing that physicality to the game, I feel like guys around me see that and they're able to stack on that and add that segment to their game. Me bringing that to the table, it sets the standard and it's going to bring our defense up." His energy translates into performance, pushing his teammates to improve while executing a complex and aggressive defense.
He credits FSU's coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Tony White, for helping shape that competitive edge. "Everybody loves Coach (Tony) White…he brings that intensity to the defense. We're coming at you from different ways, everybody's just attacking."
Leadership is another defining aspect of Little's game. After this year's first spring practice, he said, "Everybody came out on the right track. Guys are competing, flying around, on both sides of the ball, just out there having fun, getting to know each other better." Even when practices start slow, he steps up to set the tone. Speaking about himself and other team leaders, he explained, "We got together, spoke to all the guys, and told them that it wasn't the standard. Just got everybody going on track."
On the field, Little's leadership translates directly into production. He began 2025 with a nine tackles against his former school as Florida State upset No. 8 Alabama, 31-17. He recorded a career-high 13 tackles against Virginia and led the Seminoles with seven against Miami. From his beginnings at Alabama to becoming a versatile, vocal leader at Florida State, Earl Little has proven that his impact extends beyond just statistics. He brings a standard to practice, leads through physicality, and strives to elevate the play of those around him, all qualities of a teammate you hope to have.
A Fort Lauderdale native and the son of former NFL defensive back Earl Little Sr., Little Jr. brings both legacy and high-level experience to the field. He began his college career at Alabama, appearing in 11 games over two seasons, contributing primarily on special teams and in defensive snaps. He made his collegiate debut against Mississippi State and also saw action against Auburn and Austin Peay. Originally recruited as a cornerback out of high school, Little carried his coverage skills, speed, and football knowledge from South Florida to the SEC before transferring to Florida State in 2024.
After transferring to FSU, Little found his stride in the Rover role, allowing him to impact the game in coverage and near the line of scrimmage. "Making that transition to Rover, I feel like that was the right thing to do for me individually and most importantly, for the team, to create that success on the defensive side of the ball," he said. "Being a versatile dude, being able to come down to coverage, play the run, being the right fit, or being in the deep part of the field, it is a vital role. It allows me to play fast"
What sets Little apart is how his playing style elevates those around him. Versatility is at the core of his game, and he hopes his physical approach can inspire his teammates to do the same. "Just me bringing that physicality to the game, I feel like guys around me see that and they're able to stack on that and add that segment to their game. Me bringing that to the table, it sets the standard and it's going to bring our defense up." His energy translates into performance, pushing his teammates to improve while executing a complex and aggressive defense.
He credits FSU's coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Tony White, for helping shape that competitive edge. "Everybody loves Coach (Tony) White…he brings that intensity to the defense. We're coming at you from different ways, everybody's just attacking."
Leadership is another defining aspect of Little's game. After this year's first spring practice, he said, "Everybody came out on the right track. Guys are competing, flying around, on both sides of the ball, just out there having fun, getting to know each other better." Even when practices start slow, he steps up to set the tone. Speaking about himself and other team leaders, he explained, "We got together, spoke to all the guys, and told them that it wasn't the standard. Just got everybody going on track."
On the field, Little's leadership translates directly into production. He began 2025 with a nine tackles against his former school as Florida State upset No. 8 Alabama, 31-17. He recorded a career-high 13 tackles against Virginia and led the Seminoles with seven against Miami. From his beginnings at Alabama to becoming a versatile, vocal leader at Florida State, Earl Little has proven that his impact extends beyond just statistics. He brings a standard to practice, leads through physicality, and strives to elevate the play of those around him, all qualities of a teammate you hope to have.
Players Mentioned
DB
/ FootballDL Darrell Jackson Jr.: “Impose my will”
Wednesday, October 08
DL Deante McCray: “Stay focused”
Wednesday, October 08
HC Mike Norvell: “Competitive game in front of us”
Wednesday, October 08
LB Blake Nichelson: “Only thing you can do is respond”
Tuesday, October 07