FSU football: 8 younger players who could get more playing time for the Noles

Eight younger players who could get more playing time for Florida State.

Aug 24, 2024; Dublin, IRL; Georgia Tech linebacker Justin Cryer reacts after their loss to Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tom Maher/INPHO via Imagn Images / Tom Maher/INPHO via Imagn Images

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DE AARON HESTER

Through two games, Florida State's defensive line has two sacks. Fans knew that it would be a challenge to replace the production of talented pass rushers Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

However, life goes on in college athletics. Fans see players transfer, graduate, and go to the NFL every year. The Seminoles had to find effective ways to replace what was lost.

Coming into the 2024 season, I had very high hopes for both defensive ends Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr. I thought that both of them could total at least 16 sacks together. The season is far from over as the regular season still has ten games left but neither have made an impact at all.

Defensive end transfer Sione Lolohea has made an impact as a run-stopper, but the Seminoles need a pure pass rusher to get after the quarterback. One player that flashed with that skill set was defensive end Aaron Hester. He has not recorded any statistics so it could be an opportunity for him to break out soon even if it is for situational purposes.

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