FSU football: 3 veterans that should bounce back for the Seminoles versus Memphis

DE PATRICK PAYTON

Florida State has to be missing the likes of defensive end Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske (who were both selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft) on the defensive line for 2024.

The Seminoles' defensive line has failed to establish the line of scrimmage and create havoc for opposing offenses. Teams have had their way when running the football and they fail to rush the passer at a successful level.

Florida State has been known to bring in transfer portal prospects. The Seminoles added Georgia's Marvin Jones Jr. and Oregon State's Sione Lolohea via the transfer portal this offseason. That is great and all... But Florida State needs its home-grown talents that have been in the system to step up.

One player that I am monitoring is redshirt junior defensive end Patrick Payton. Fans had high expectations for him after he had seven sacks and ten pass break ups a season ago. The Miami (FL) native increased his weight to 254 pounds. He no longer has Verse and Fiske in the lineup to complement him so he is considered the "guy".

I expect Payton to emerge this weekend and make a difference versus a Memphis offensive line that allow him to have success after not recording a sack so far this season.