Florida State is now 2-0 for the first time 2016. After an unbelievable play to block the PAT against LSU, it feels like the Seminoles finally have some momentum. In my opinion, there were two players that separated themselves from everyone else, and truly put on a show. Those two players are QB Jordan Travis, as well as DE Jared Verse, the topic of this article. Verse was just phenomenal on Sunday night. He racked up three sacks, and was also credited with nine total pressures against the Tigers. Verse received player of the week honors from Pro Football Focus. How did the Seminoles get such a fantastic talent that seemingly nobody else wanted? Let’s take a look at how Jared Verse ended up at Florida State.
How Did Jared Verse End Up at FSU?
Out of high school, Verse wasn’t the most sought after guy. He played tight end in high school, and did not have a single star to his name according to the 247 composite rating. It seemed like nobody really wanted this kid. In fact, his only offer came from Albany. Nate Byham, one of Albany’s scouts, saw Verse in person, and thought that with his frame and explosiveness, he could translate to be a defensive end at the next level. Looks like he was right on the money. He came in a little undersized, only being around 205 pounds. However, during the pandemic in 2020 he transformed his body. When he returned to start the 2021 season at Albany, he weighed over 250 pounds. Over the 2021 season, he racked up 10.5 total sacks in what turned out to be his “breakout season” with the Great Danes. His exposure to Florida State came in his game against Syracuse in 2021 when he dominated pass rush reps and put tons of pressure on QB Tommy DeVito. Defensive Coordinator Adam Fuller took notice of Verse, saying that he was “the best player on the field.”
After earning FCS All-American honors in 2021, Verse announced that he was entering the transfer portal. He quickly received offers from prestigious teams all over the country, including Oklahoma, Miami, and USC. Verse decided that Florida State was the place for him after a conversation with former DE Jermaine Johnson II while on a visit.
“He wasn’t trying to sell me a pitch or anything like that. He was trying to really give me a full picture of how the school was here, the things he liked, the things he didn’t like. But he was thinking I could do the same thing he just did.” – Jared Verse
From there, it’s been nothing but success from Verse. Even though it’s only week two, Verse is playing at an elite level. He is tied for third in total sacks, and was one of the biggest stories of Sunday’s game. His blocked field goal ultimately led the Seminoles to victory. Keep an eye on him. He may end up as one of the premiere edge rushers in the country as time goes on.
