For FSU’s Jared Verse, improvement the catalyst for a return to Seminoles
Jared Verse spent last week watching the NFL Scouting Combine, not as a participant but as an observer.
It wasn’t exactly the way many assumed the talented Florida State edge rusher would make his presence known. At one point, the 6-foot-4, 253-pound defensive end was projected as a possible first-round selection after a stellar first season in which he led the team in tackles for loss (16.5), sacks (9) and blocked kicks (1).
He received an 81.2 grade from Pro Football Focus which is better than most of the edge rushers projected in the first-and-second rounds of the NFL draft outside of Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. (83.6) and USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu (82.1).
But despite the lure of the NFL and a multimillion contract, Verse decided to return to the Seminoles in 2023.
“I always wanted him to feel like he was doing what was best for himself,” said defensive ends coach John Papuchis. “So when it came time for him to make that decision, I made a conscious effort not to weigh in too much on it other than if he asked me my opinion on something or my advice. I wanted him to come back.
“I love coaching him, but I wanted him to do what was best for him. So I was super excited when he made that decision. Now the work starts.”
The decision to return to FSU came down to Verse believing there was more he could do to become a better football player. He could overwhelm offensive linemen with his athleticism, but there had to be more to help him unleash his true potential.
“It was getting better on the technical side of things,” said Verse. “Physically, I could have left and gone to the NFL and been fine, but it’s the mental side of things where I need to get better. That was something Coach [Mike] Norvell hammered home to me.”
It’s a belief justified by watching participants in last week’s Combine.
“Everybody wants to get stronger, faster and bigger, r but I want to be able to read the game a little bit quicker,” Verse said. “At the next level, it’s a lot quicker. Even at the Combine, those guys are a lot quicker. Everybody is a lot quicker than this level right now. I just have to read the game a little quicker to be prepared for that.”
Verse’s accomplishments are even more impressive, considering he spent much of last season battling injuries.
“It was challenging for Jared from the standpoint that after the Louisville game (Sept. 16), he was never fully healthy again,” said Papuchis. “There were a lot of limitations in terms of his practice reps and defensive line is a position that the more repetitions you get, the better you’re going to play.”
“With Jared last year, he missed so much time from practice. He would do what he needed, but it would sometimes show up,” added Norvell.
After a few months of rest, Verse says he’s healthy and ready to pick up where he left off last season as the Seminoles participate in spring camp.
“That’s what this spring is going to be all about is giving him an opportunity to polish his game,” said Papuchis. “When that happens, it will take his game to another level.”
Verse has never shied away from being vocal — on and off the field — and his ability to find his voice in the locker room and in team meetings showcases his growth as a team leader.
“Leadership comes in many different forms and fashions, but Jared has done a nice job of living that out,” said Norvell. “If it were just about him, he’d have probably taken his talents to the next level, but it’s who he gets to do it with. When guys see that when they feel that, when they’re around that, that’s culture. That’s family. That’s what this is all about.”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.
()