FSU football: Jared Verse having outstanding rookie season through seven games

Former FSU defensive end Jared Verse was arguably the best defensive end in college football near the end of the 2023 season. The stats didn't always support his impact in games, but his ability to defend the pass and the run while absorbing double teams was remarkable. It's why he was an NFL First Round Draft selection of the LA Rams in April.

I knew Jared Verse had the tools to be a great NFL pro, but I'm not sure I expected him to be this good, this fast. Take a look at some of the numbers:

His play was on full display Thursday night as the LA Rams pulled off a mild upset over the Minnesota Vikings on the road. Jared Verse had three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three QB hurries. His stats are similar to how they were at FSU last season.

They don't wow you when you look at the stat sheet, but his effect is felt throughout the game. He only has 2.5 sacks through seven games, but the 33 QB hurries are an important stat.

Former FSU football head coach Jimbo Fisher used to point out how important the QB hurry stat was because often those were plays that forced quarterbacks to make bad decisions, often resulting in turnovers or incompletions. Verse averages nearly five QB hurries per game and does it while other teams give extra attention to his side of the field.

Look at the speed-to-power conversion on this rep against two defenders. Some credit likely goes to the coverage in the secondary, but the pressure in Dalton's face is what makes this play.

The FSU defense has missed Verse's presence this year, as they lack the pass rush they had in obvious passing situations this season. Here's to hoping the FSU staff can point to Verse's NFL success to land a difference-maker at that position.