FSU football coaches went hard during the Early Winter Portal Window, landing 11 new additions that meet multiple needs. However, their work isn't complete, as FSU has some needs remaining at a few positions.
One is at linebacker. FSU signed former Nebraska linebacker Stefon Thompson and kept Omar Graham Jr. after he flirted with the transfer portal.
They have Blake Nichelson and some other young guys but need more depth, experience, and production in Tony White's 3-3-5 defense. They would get all three with Georgia Southern's Marques Watson-Trent.
Georgia Southern LB @_MW23__ has arrived for #FSU visit. Very key target for the Noles. pic.twitter.com/WnISDfoLiX
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) January 1, 2025
He's on the FSU campus visiting on New Year's Day. We discussed the importance of getting guys on campus quickly after Christmas, with FSU's spring semester starting Monday, January 6th.
Watson-Trent has tallied over 300+ tackles in the past three years at Georgia Southern. He's tallied 26 tackles for a loss, 7 forced fumbles, 7 QB hurries, two interceptions, and six sacks.
Watson-Trent is 5'11" and 225 pounds, reminding many FSU football fans of former FSU First Team All-American, Buster Davis.
It'll likely be a team effort from the coaching staff, but it'll be the first time we see John Papuchis recruiting as the linebacker's coach. Papuchis coached defensive ends for the past five years and has had some big recruiting wins in the transfer portal.
This would be a major addition to FSU if they can gain the commitment. Watson-Trent has one year of eligibility remaining, and would likely be an instant-plug and play type of player in Tony White's new defense.