Defensive end Patrick Payton should be in for a breakout season in 2024

FSU football is preparing to have another outstanding campaign in 2024 after its defensive unit flexed its muscles after the injury to quarterback Jordan Travis, especially in the contests versus Florida and Louisville.

However, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller's squad will be losing valuable pieces such as defensive end Jared Verse, defensive tackle Braden Fiske, linebacker Kalen DeLoach, cornerback Renardo Green, and safety Akeem Dent, among others.

Nonetheless, there will have to be contributors who step up massively as many of them expand their roles in the defense. Who will be the most impactful piece on the defensive side of the football for the Seminoles in 2024?

I would select redshirt junior defensive end Patrick Payton. fans understand that the productive Jared Verse is off to the NFL. However, the Seminoles have plenty of talented pass rushers at their disposal. Florida State was able to land Georgia's Marvin Jones Jr. via the transfer portal.

However, Payton has continued to get better and better as a former Class of 2021 four-star prospect (who had a smaller frame) that the Seminoles have put in the time and effort to properly develop.

The Miami (FL) native has had a successful career thus far in Tallahassee where he has accumulated 75 total tackles (20.5 for loss) and 12 sacks. Let's not forget about the 13 pass deflections (10 last season).

Payton is someone who has continued to emphasize the importance of getting 1% better every day and battling through high levels of adversity. He has the potential to finally break the double-digit sack mark this upcoming season. The defensive ends that were brought in should be able to complement Payton nicely.

This should be the season that the talented pass rusher needs to enter the 2025 NFL Draft and make some life-changing money for himself and his family.