FSU Spring Position Preview: Defensive End

The Seminoles are returning their top-three contributors off the edge from a season ago, including star Jared Verse.

Florida State fielded a top-15 defense in 2022 headlined by veterans and freshmen that were thrown into roles due to injury only to become budding stars. 

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Over the past few years, the defensive end position has been a daunting one for opposing offenses which saw stars like Jermaine Johnson II and Keir Thomas go to the NFL while future professional star Jared Verse decided to forego the next level for one more year to be a part of a defense that is returning nearly all its depth and talent.

Departures:

Leonard Warner III, George Wilson Jr. (Campbell)

Warner graduated after locking down a spot in Florida State's defensive end rotation last season. Wilson elected to transfer after signing in 2021. He spent the majority of his time at FSU on the scout team and did not record a stat in the three games he played in 2022. 

Returners: 

Redshirt junior Jared Verse, redshirt junior Derrick McLendon II, redshirt sophomore Patrick Payton, redshirt sophomore Byron Turner Jr, redshirt freshman Aaron Hester

Verse transferred from Albany for the 2022 season and decided to return as a redshirt junior after putting up first-team All-ACC numbers with nine sacks, 25 QB hurries, and 48 tackles, 17 for a loss. Verse has proven he is a surefire starter, and although "every position is for grabs," it seems likely that you'll see No. 5 in the starting lineup for 2023, barring injury.

Patrick Payton was a composite 4-star coming out of high school and flashed his potential in practice. When Verse was injured, he was called on and recorded a strip sack against Clemson, never looking back. He finished the season with five sacks, 31 tackles and a forced fumble while winning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Another year in defensive coordinator Adam Fuller's system will do Payton wonders as the redshirt sophomore continues to grow.

Starting in 12 games, McLendon recorded 3.5 sacks and 37 tackles last season and seemed ready to take the next step in the rotation. Expect him, Verse and Payton to make an impact coming off the edge.

Anderson and Hester redshirted in 2022 and saw minimal action outside the practice squad. Still, as they develop and learn from the veterans, they have the opportunity to work themselves into the mix. Turner has interesting potential but has been set back by injuries.

Newcomers:

Transfer Gilber Edmond (South Carolina), JUCO Jaden Jones, four-star prospect Lamont Green Jr.

Jaden Jones is coming in from the JUCO ranks as one of the top prospects in the country and a top-5 defensive end. Jones should become a solid rotational piece giving the edge position talented depth throughout the season. The Noles beat out Auburn and Tennessee for the Hutchinson C.C. prospect and will make sure he is utilized, given his skills translate over to the Power 5 level.

Son of former Seminole linebacker Lamont Green Sr., Green was a highly sought-after blue-chip recruit coming out of high school, having an opportunity to get into the mix early on. He had a phenomenal senior season at Gulliver Prep, recording 61 tackles, 20 sacks, a blocked kick, and 21 tackles for loss. At 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, adding weight in a college-level strength and conditioning program should help prepare him to be a significant impact player in the future.

Joining teammate tight end Jaheim Bell out of South Carolina, Edmond is expected to make an early impact in the rotation. At the very least, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound redshirt junior will add some backbone to an already talented room. Rated as the number three edge defender in the portal, he recorded two sacks and 39 tackles.

Projected Depth Chart

Fox Defensive End:

1. Jared Verse

2. Gilber Edmond

Defensive End:

1. Derrick McLendon/Patrick Payton

2. Byron Turner Jr.

Spring Outlook:

When Jared Verse announced his return for 2023, all eyes started to look at the Seminole defense, and speculation started about it being another top-tier unit in the country. There is a lot to be excited about with the players they have on the roster, and there is a good mix of skill sets to go around. The younger players will learn from an experienced group which should only help bolster the position in the following years. 

Returning the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year along with a potential day one or two draft pick, the Noles edge should be a strong point for the defense backed by veterans and promising newcomers.

Previous Spring Position Previews:

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receivers

Tight End

Offensive Line

Defensive Tackle

Linebackers

Defensive Backs

Special Teams

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