Jared Verse spent final week watching the NFL Scouting Combine, not as a participant however as an observer.
It wasn’t precisely the way in which many assumed the gifted Florida State edge rusher would make his presence identified. At one level, the 6-foot-4, 253-pound defensive finish was projected as a doable first-round choice after a stellar first season through which he led the group in tackles for loss (16.5), sacks (9) and blocked kicks (1).
He acquired an 81.2 grade from Pro Football Focus which is healthier than many of the edge rushers projected within the first-and-second rounds of the NFL draft outdoors of Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. (83.6) and USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu (82.1).
But regardless of the lure of the NFL and a multimillion contract, Verse determined to return to the Seminoles in 2023.
“I always wanted him to feel like he was doing what was best for himself,” mentioned defensive ends coach John Papuchis. “So when it got here time for him to make that call, I made a acutely aware effort to not weigh in an excessive amount of on it apart from if he requested me my opinion on one thing or my recommendation. I wished him to come back again.
“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 resolution to return to FSU got here right down to Verse believing there was extra he might do to turn into a greater soccer participant. He might overwhelm offensive linemen along with his athleticism, however there needed to be extra to assist him unleash his true potential.
“It was getting better on the technical side of things,” mentioned 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 perception justified by watching members in final 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 mentioned. “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 much more spectacular, contemplating he spent a lot of final season battling accidents.
“It was challenging for Jared from the standpoint that after the Louisville game (Sept. 16), he was never fully healthy again,” mentioned 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 couple of months of relaxation, Verse says he’s wholesome and able to choose up the place he left off final season because the Seminoles take part in spring camp.
“That’s what this spring is going to be all about is giving him an opportunity to polish his game,” mentioned Papuchis. “When that happens, it will take his game to another level.”
Verse has by no means shied away from being vocal — on and off the sector — and his capacity to search out his voice within the locker room and in group conferences showcases his progress as a group chief.
“Leadership comes in many different forms and fashions, but Jared has done a nice job of living that out,” mentioned 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 [email protected] or observe him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com