In 2016, Florida State cornerback Tarvarus McFadden was regarded as one of the best defensive players in college football.
In 2018, he wasn’t among the 129 defensive players selected in the 256-man NFL draft.
What happened?
“I honestly don’t know,” said McFadden, who signed a free-agent contract with the 49ers after he wasn’t among the 29 cornerbacks picked.
On Thursday, five days after he dejectedly left his parents’ home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the end of the draft, McFadden pledged to make the best of a situation he didn’t expect to endure.
As a sophomore in 2016, McFadden tied for the NCAA lead with eight interceptions and was one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is given to the nation’s top defensive player.