BREAKING: FSU Starting Safety Declaring For 2024 NFL Draft, Opting Out of Orange Bowl

The Seminoles will be without another starter in the Orange Bowl.

Florida State will be missing a plethora of starters on both sides of the ball when the team concludes its season in the Orange Bowl next weekend. That number could rise leading up to the game depending on NFL departures and transfers.

On Sunday evening, redshirt senior Akeem Dent announced on social media that he was declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft and opting out of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs. He'll focus on preparing for the next level after five seasons in Tallahassee.

Despite being limited by a lower-body injury early in the year, Dent appeared in ten games, with eight starts, totaling 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. He tied his season-high with seven total tackles in Florida State's win over Florida in the regular season finale and victory against Louisville in the ACC Championship.

Florida State To Be Without At Least 14 Players In Orange Bowl Due To Opt-Outs And Transfers

During his career with the Seminoles, Dent has totaled 187 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, 16 pass deflections, and an interception. He signed with the program as a five-star prospect under former head coach Willie Taggart and stuck with Florida State when Mike Norvell arrived in Tallahassee.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank God for always keeping me motivated, and for the countless blessings I have received. To my coaches and staff, thank you for playing a vital role in the person I have become on and off the field. Thank you for valuable lessons learned during the time spent in this program, and thank you for making this team feel like a family."

"To my teammates, this journey was full of accomplishments that no one can take away from us. The energy and effort we brought to the stadium will always be remembered. Most importantly, what we have accomplished as a team will always stay in Florida State Football history."

"Thank you, Florida State! Now it's time for the next chapter in my life, and with that being said, I'm officially declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft."

Thank you, Florida State 🖤 pic.twitter.com/zqemeqq39Z

— AkeemDent (@DoItAllDent103) December 25, 2023

Dent is the latest starter to opt out of the game, joining running back Trey Benson, tight end Jaheim Bell, wide receiver Keon Coleman, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, defensive end Jared Verse, and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett.

There are also a number of transfers on the roster who have committed to other teams such as quarterback AJ Duffy (San Diego State), running back Rodney Hill (FAMU), running back CJ Campbell (FAU), tight end Markeston Douglas (Arizona State), offensive lineman Bless Harris (TCU), offensive lineman Daughtry Richardson (FAU), and offensive lineman Qae'Shon Sapp (FAMU.

Florida State and Georgia are scheduled to face off on Saturday, December 30. The game will kick off at 4:00 p.m. and be televised on ESPN.

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