Mike Norvell looks back on Jared Verse's performance against Syracuse last year

On3 imageby:Griffin McVeigh11/08/22

griffin_mcveigh

Returning Florida State players are not the only ones who celebrated a victory over Syracuse last season. Star defensive end Jared Verse did so with Albany, putting on one of his better performances. The Orange will have to deal with Verse once again on Saturday but this time, in a Seminoles uniform.

Head coach Mike Norvell was asked what he remembered about Verse’s performance at the then-Carrier Dome last season. He recalled one play where the defensive end ran with Syracuse running back Sean Tucker after he began to break free. Overall, Norvell was impressed with the “flashes” shown by Verse against Power Five competition at an FCS level.

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“It wasn’t something I ultimately studied last year but I remember the flashes I saw that I saw,” Norvell said. “One of the plays that stood out to me was (Sean) Tucker broke out on a long run and Jared, you just saw him open up and run. It was impressive to see a big guy who ran and pursued the ball the way he did. His physicality — I think he had a sack in the game. Just very active.”

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Mike Norvell brought Jared Verse in after Syracuse performance

Albany played Syracuse two weeks before Florida State, meaning, Norvell was watching the game tape to prepare. He recalls Verse jumping out when watching the film although he was trying to scout the Orange.

Norvell said once he got to know Verse as a human, it was an easy call to bring him into the program via the transfer portal.

“He was just something that jumped off on film,” said Norvell. “As you watch different opponents, when you’re not looking for somebody and they show up, it’s impressive. Respected him for it and it’s one of the main reasons whenever he got into the portal, it’s like — okay, I have seen this one before.

“Then when you watch the collective season of what he did, it really spoke to the identity then you get to know the young man.”

Verse has played a huge role for Florida State this season, recording 30 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. Playing against Syracuse for the second consecutive year in upstate New York, he will be hoping for another big performance.