FSU Defensive Tackle Vying For Seventh Year Of Eligibility To Return In 2024

The Seminoles could use an experienced option along the interior next season.

Florida State's interior defensive line is projected to take a hit this offseason with Braden Fiske and Fabien Lovett moving onto the NFL.

With that being said, it's possible that the Seminoles may get one of their most experienced players back for another season. According to a source close to the program, redshirt senior defensive tackle Dennis Briggs is exploring the possibility of attaining a waiver for a seventh season of eligibility to suit up in Tallahassee in 2024. The news was first reported by Noles247 on Monday evening.

Briggs has developed into an integral piece of Florida State's defensive front throughout his tenure with the program. He started off his career at defensive end before moving inside due to mounting injuries. Briggs was eventually flexed outside yet again before settling in at defensive tackle this past season.

The Florida native will be seeking a medical hardship waiver for the 2021 season. He played in the first four games of the year before suffering a season-ending injury in a loss to Louisville. Players around college football are able to retain their eligibility if they appear in four or fewer contests so Briggs has a case. He was honored on Senior Day in the event that his waiver isn't granted.

Veteran Florida State Defensive Lineman Announces Intentions To Enter NCAA Transfer Portal

The Seminoles have dealt with this process before after redshirt senior offensive lineman D'Mitri Emmanuel was approved to play a seventh season back in the spring. Emmanuel was forced to watch part of spring practice from the sideline and even participated in FSU's Pro Day while dealing with uncertainty surrounding his future.

Briggs has appeared in nine games during the 2023 season while battling injuries, totaling 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two quarterback hurries. He'll have a chance to add to that total during the Orange Bowl against Georgia.

His most productive year came in 2019 while playing under interim head coach Odell Haggins. Briggs recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup during that campaign. He totaled a career-high six tackles in a win at Boston College.

During his first six years in Tallahassee, Briggs has totaled 77 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four pass deflections in 48 appearances, with ten starts.

It would be massive for the Seminoles if Briggs is able to return next season. Florida State's interior defensive line is starting to look pretty thin after redshirt junior Malcolm Ray and redshirt freshman Ayobami Tifase. Outside of Briggs, the team is only projected to return four other scholarship defensive tackles in 2024; junior Darrell Jackson, redshirt sophomore Joshua Farmer, redshirt freshman Daniel Lyons, and true freshman KJ Sampson.

FSU will also be adding three-star Jamorie Flagg and potentially one other prospect in its high school recruiting class. The coaching staff will likely kick the tires on experienced options in the portal to bring in someone to play alongside Briggs, Jackson, Farmer, and Lyons.

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