Former Seminole players are included in the AP DOPY finalist honors

Florida State football had a phenomenal 2023 campaign where they accomplished an undefeated regular season and a conference championship.

That squad will be forever remembered. However, individuals outside the program will always associate the team with having the College Football Playoff committee snubbing them in favor of a one-loss Alabama Crimson Tide team.

It was an unfortunate turn of events. There were even some who suggested that Florida State would have made the playoffs if quarterback Jordan Travis did not get hurt.

Travis was a great player that is an amazing story where some fans did not even know that the West Palm Beach (FL) native could throw a 15-yard pass. That is a testament to Mike Norvell, Kenny Dillingham, and Tony Tokarz, who developed him.

However, that squad had several talented pieces that made NFL rosters other than Travis, such as Trey Benson, Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, Jaheim Bell, Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Fabien Lovett Sr., Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones, and Akeem Dent.

We have talked about our excitement for the Los Angeles Rams drafted former Florida State defensive linemen Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. The Rams have to feel happy about drafting both of them.

Verse and Fiske were two of the 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalists.

The rookie duo had 110 total tackles (21 for loss) and 13 sacks. Some individuals thought that the Rams were going into rebuild mode after future Hall of Famer defensive lineman Aaron Donald unexpectedly retired, but that was far from the truth.

I know that Verse is probably the favorite to win the award, but I wouldn't count out Fiske as he led all rookies in sack totals (8.5) this year.

Whatever happens, it is known throughout the league that Verse and Fiske are very good players.

Seminole fans have to be proud of the two talented rookies and probably show some resentment to the College Football Playoff committee for 2023.