FSU football: Top 15 important defensive players for 2023 season

Jared Verse

If you made it this far, I’m sure you’re not surprised to find Jared Verse in the No. 1 spot. He’s arguably the best player on the defense.

If we were to remove him from the roster, that loss would impact the FSU defense more than anyone else.

Verse is a beast, incredibly explosive and agile, and someone opposing offenses better circle when preparing to play FSU. The crazy thing is Verse may have only scratched the surface last year since it was his first year playing Power 5 football.

That experience and another year in Josh Storm’s strength and conditioning program is why most folks have him as one of the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft. I expect teams to double-team and use tight ends to chip him, which will allow other teammates to make plays.

Nevertheless, Verse is the type of player who will make his share of plays regardless. I expect him to have a great season and become a top draft pick next year.