FSU football: Top 12 players developed in Mike Norvell era

Who Says FSU can't Recruit and Develop Players?

By Kelvin Hunt | Jul 7, 2024

Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) throws a pass during the warm ups against the North Alabama Lions at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports / Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

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Patrick Payton-High School

Do you notice a trend with these high school players? Patrick Payton was the No. 323 player nationally and the No. 38 linebacker. Payton listed at 6'5" and 205 pounds out of high school and now weighs 254 pounds. Payton redshirted in 2021 and burst on the scene once Jared Verse got hurt early in the 2022 season. Payton earned Freshman ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year appearing in all 13 games. He tallied 31 tackles, six for a loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups. Payton started all 14 games in 2023, tallying 44 tackles, 14.5 for a loss, seven sacks, 10 pass breakups, seven QB hurries, and two forced fumbles. He was Honorable Mention All-ACC and will be a starter for the Noles in 2024. He could become another first round defensive end draft pick for the Noles next year.

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