Former Florida State Linebacker Moving on from Playing Career to Transition into Coaching

The former Seminole is hanging up his cleats to begin coaching at the college level.

There comes a time where every player recognizes its time to hang up the cleats. With that being said, that usually doesn't mean moving on from the sport as a ton of former players take the next step and get into coaching. It's a well-traveled path.

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Former Florida State linebacker Jaleel McRae spent the last year at Florida Atlantic. After putting in a career season in 2022, he's decided to take a different route instead of utilizing his final year of collegiate eligibility.

On Friday, McRae announced via Instagram that he's decided to transition to a coaching career. He'll start off in a player development role at Florida Atlantic.

In his statement, McRae thanked former coach Willie Taggart, current FSU coach Mike Norvell, and the fans in Tallahassee, among others.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank God for providing me with great opportunties to play the sport that is near and dear to my heart for 17 years. To my family and friends that have supported me through the challenging and successful times, Thank you.

To my FSU family and fans, thank you for supporting me during my three seasons.

Coach Willie Taggart, thank you for allowing me to demonstrate my talents and the opportunity to play at the Florida State University.

To the city of New Smyrna Beach, THANK YOU! I love you and look forward to helping the city in every way I can.

Coach Mike Norvell, thank you for coming in and believing in me while changing my mindset on life and making sure I was confident in myself.

Coach Marve, thank you for being a father figure and a mentor to me. I respect your leadership and guidance you provided for me. "As a man thinketh so is he."

Coach Tom Herman, you have played a pivotal role in my development, and I am grateful for your support, love, and guidance. It has been an honor to be a part of your journey as much as you are a part of mine. Thank you for allowing me to change my dreams and now work towards a coaching & mentoring career.

Owl fans, thank you for embracing me and my family at the Florida Atlantic University. There's no other fan base with your energy and love in that stadium.

I am truly blessed! After careful consideration with my family and coaches, I've decided to start my coaching career with Florida Atlantic University in player development. Much love."

McRae originally signed with FSU as a four-star prospect in the 2019 under former head coach Willie Taggart. Midway through his true freshman season, Taggart was fired by the program and replaced by Mike Norvell. He was mostly a reserve for the Seminoles, totaling 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack in 21 appearances, with one start, during his first two years with the program. After failing to earn consistent playing time, McRae entered the transfer portal following the 2021 season. 

It didn't take long for him to land under Taggart again at Florida Atlantic. McRae played in 11 games this past season, totaling a career-high 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two pass deflections and an interception. That included a career-best six total tackles against Southeastern Louisiana.

However, Taggart was fired for the second time with McRae on the roster in November. He was replaced by former Texas head coach Tom Herman, who McRae will begin his coaching career under this offseason.

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