True freshmen duo can be the future of Florida State football's trenches

This is a scary duo to deal with.
Sep 20, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Dru DeShields (12) is hit as he throws the ball by Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Mandrell Desir (93) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Dru DeShields (12) is hit as he throws the ball by Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Mandrell Desir (93) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

FSU FOOTBALL RECRUITING

Florida State football recruiting was looking to be a disaster during the 2025 cycle because everything was up in the air with the 2-10 season, as well as new coaches potentially being acquired on the staff.

Individuals thought that Florida State was only invested in the transfer portal, given their recent history of stacking the roster with "mercenaries". However, the Seminoles decided to pick up talented pieces from the high school ranks that had the potential to play early in Year 1.

It was a dangerous proposition to play youngsters early, given that some fans thought this was a make-it-or-break-it year for head football coach Mike Norvell.

PLAY THE FRESHMEN

Florida State played a ton of youngsters during their 2024 season, and it wasn't enough to get over the hump. However, the next wave of recruits in the 2025 cycle seems to be the difference-makers that the Seminoles needed.

The new coaching staff went to work on the recruiting trail and landed the 21st-best recruiting class according to 247Sports Composite rankings. This might not seem like exciting news, but there are pieces in this class that look to be special.

One gripe by the fan base has been the Seminoles' lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, it isn't because of the true freshmen brother duo of Darryll and Mandrell Desir.

The former three-star prospects from Miami, Florida, were raved about by the head football coach and defensive coaching staff all offseason. Some fans even thought that they were just buttering the Desir Twins and then wouldn't play either of them.

However, it is easy to see why the staff likes them, as both have combined to have 20 tackles (four for loss) and three sacks this season through six games. Both have been pleasant surprises, where Darryll Desir is a co-starter at defensive end, while Mandrell Desir is a co-starter at defensive tackle.

It seems like the coaching staff likes to have the rotation of James Williams, Darryll Desir, Mandrell Desir, and Amaree Williams on the field. The Desir Twins could be household names of the Seminoles' defensive line in 2026 if they keep delivering in their play.

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