FSU football: Can Jared Verse elevate his play from 2022?

FSU football received incredible news this offseason as redshirt sophomore defensive end Jared Verse announced that he would return to the Seminoles in 2023 instead of opting for the NFL.

The former Albany transfer had a phenomenal 2022 season for FSU football where he recorded 48 total tackles (17 tackles for loss), nine sacks, three quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and one blocked field goal (thanks LSU).

Verse was not the only impact defensive player to announce his return to the Seminoles next season as redshirt junior defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. also made it official that he would also be causing havoc to opponents’ offensive lines.

It is noteworthy to monitor that players such as redshirt junior defensive end Dennis Briggs Jr. (will be roughly one and half years over the season-ending injury that he suffered against Louisville), redshirt sophomore defensive end Patrick Payton (31 tackles and five sacks), and redshirt sophomore defensive Byron Turner Jr. (showed flashes this spring but has dealt with injuries during his time in Tallahassee).

The Seminoles also acquired redshirt senior defensive tackle Braden Fiske (Western Michigan), redshirt junior defensive end Gilber Edmond (South Carolina), and junior defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. (Miami) via the transfer portal.

FSU football has made its mark on the transfer portal by acquiring skilled pass rushers after former Georgia defensive end Jermaine Johnson II had 12 sacks for the Seminoles in 2021. This scenario led to Johnson II getting drafted by the New York Jets with the No. 26 overall pick. The main attraction for Verse returning to FSU was to get the Seminoles a national championship and play himself into a first-round draft selection.

Will Jared Verse reach double-digit sacks in 2023?

My answer is yes. While Verse could have some issues with increasing his production from a season ago, given that there are so many defensive linemen on the roster that should be receiving playing time. Also, the Seminoles recorded 40 sacks as a team in 2022 (80% of the production is returning in 2023).

FSU plays the likes of Southern Miss, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, and North Alabama in the regular season. These contests should all be games that are decided by over 14+ points, and Verse should be able to assert his dominance early on. Not to mention he would also like to make a statement in performances early on against LSU and Clemson to impress NFL scouts.