Jordan Travis was the one who got the ball rolling on Dec. 7, and it was a decision that caused many of his Florida State teammates to contemplate their future, too.
One by one, the Seminoles began to announce their decisions to return to FSU. Among them were Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson and Robert Scott on offense as well as Jared Verse, Fabien Lovett, Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, Akeem Dent and Jarrian Jones on defense. Among the reasons were to achieve personal and team goals and, yes, retention through NIL was a big point for some as they weighed staying at FSU compared to what was their projected NFL draft stock.
A talking point through the offseason often was one of "Can FSU handle the pressure?" Inside the program, it was embraced because the coaches and veteran players felt they put more pressure on themselves than those on the outside. The 2023 Seminoles were strengthened through talent retention as well as player development and the acquisition of more depth through the transfer portal.
And the Seminoles were always viewed as a team with championship aspirations. That’s what FSU is playing for this week against Louisville in the ACC championship game on Saturday (8 p.m. on ABC).
“This is part of the reason why I came back,” Dent said. “Being in this situation is a blessing. From all of the work we put in and for us to still be hitting and focused on the main goal is still a blessing.”
floridastate.rivals.com
One by one, the Seminoles began to announce their decisions to return to FSU. Among them were Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson and Robert Scott on offense as well as Jared Verse, Fabien Lovett, Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, Akeem Dent and Jarrian Jones on defense. Among the reasons were to achieve personal and team goals and, yes, retention through NIL was a big point for some as they weighed staying at FSU compared to what was their projected NFL draft stock.
A talking point through the offseason often was one of "Can FSU handle the pressure?" Inside the program, it was embraced because the coaches and veteran players felt they put more pressure on themselves than those on the outside. The 2023 Seminoles were strengthened through talent retention as well as player development and the acquisition of more depth through the transfer portal.
And the Seminoles were always viewed as a team with championship aspirations. That’s what FSU is playing for this week against Louisville in the ACC championship game on Saturday (8 p.m. on ABC).
“This is part of the reason why I came back,” Dent said. “Being in this situation is a blessing. From all of the work we put in and for us to still be hitting and focused on the main goal is still a blessing.”
TheOsceola - FSU veterans returned in 2023 for this opportunity: ACC title, shot at CFP
Decisions a year ago to return for 2023 shaped the success the Seminoles have enjoyed. And they're not done yet.
floridastate.rivals.com
