FSU football: 5 most valuable defensive players in 2023

Jared Verse

Jared Verse got some criticism from fans early in the season because he wasn't producing large sack totals. However, Verse's decision to return for a second year at FSU was one of the best he could have made. He evolved into a complete defensive end in 2023. A lot of the production Patrick Payton and others got was because teams had to prepare so much for what Verse does. Opposing offenses double and triple teamed him at times, used tight ends to chip him, and he still performed at a high level. His discipline against the run improved, he got much stronger, and he showed he can get after the quarterback when needed.

Verse, and the rest of the defensive line helped the FSU secondary become argubaly the best in the nation. In turn, the complimented one another. Verse finished with 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, 11 QB hurries, three passes defended, and one forced fumble. The FSU defensive line wouldn't have been near as good had he declared for the NFL Draft last year. Now, he'll likely be a sure-fire NFL First-Round Draft pick.