Emerging Talent: FSU Football's Marvin Jones Jr. Is Exactly What Mike Norvell, Adam Fuller Hoped

A move back to defensive end has Jones Jr. making a resurgence in Tallahassee.

Florida State was fired up when Marvin Jones Jr. decided to come home to Tallahassee after transferring from Georgia. The Seminoles were able to land a legacy in the son of legendary linebacker Marvin Jones Sr. while adding a prospect with an immensely high ceiling in the process.

A five-star prospect in the 2022 class, Jones Jr. was limited by injuries, scheme, and a stacked depth chart with the Bulldogs. Since arriving at Florida State in January, head coach Mike Norvell has gotten a taste of what he brings to the table. Norvell has already seen Jones Jr. make strides, complimenting his work ethic and drive to be great.

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"We've got big expectations for all of our guys so I wouldn't say exceeding but I mean I'm definitely excited about the way I've seen him progress," Norvell said last week. "He's somebody who does love to work and he puts a lot into it. Everybody talks about wanting to be great, I think he's willing to work to take some of those strides that are necessary. I like what I'm seeing from him and excited for him to keep getting better."

With the Seminoles running a 4-2-5 under defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, Jones Jr. is back at the traditional defensive end position that he thrived in during his prep career while recording 20 sacks for American Heritage. That's been an exciting revelation for Florida State this spring as the rising junior has consistently stood out when the lights are at their brightest.

Jones Jr. is a lengthy edge defender with a swift first step off the snap of the ball. His blend of strength and speed make him an every down threat. That's one reason he's already making a name for himself in a revamped defensive end that is loaded from top to bottom.

In fact, Jones Jr. is exactly what Norvell thought he would be.

"Really excited, I think Marvin is what we thought he was just with athleticism, ability, I think you're seeing growth with him," Norvell said.

Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller echoed Norvell's sentiments, noting that Jones Jr. flashed in Florida State's first scrimmage. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end is on the right track as the Seminoles enter the second half of the spring.

The Florida native's progression is one of the most noteworthy developments of the past few weeks. He looks primed to make a resurgence in a defensive system that caters more to his strengths. Whether Jones Jr. eventually earns a starting job or not, he's going to play a big role in FSU's success on defense in 2024.

"Specifically at defensive end, I think Marvin has flashed. He's what I was hoping he would be," Fuller said. "He's really athletic, physical at the point, he's got the physical trait, he likes football. We're seeing a lot of the things show up with him that I was hoping I would see."

Jones Jr. appeared in 25 games, with one start, and totaled 16 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks during his two years with the Bulldogs. He won a National Championship at Georgia in 2022.

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