Jordan Travis recalls his emotions learning Jared Verse was returning for 2023 season

At the end of the 2022 season, there were a lot of people who thought that star edge rusher Jared Verse would leave Florida State for the NFL. He didn’t, though, returning to join Jordan Travis to try and make a run at the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff.

While on the ACCN set during the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff, Travis explained how he found out Verse was coming back to Florida State and how happy he is to have Verse back in Tallahassee for the 2023 season.

“I knew pretty early on,” Jordan Travis said. “He told me and Trey [Benson] pretty early on. I didn’t believe it until he announced it. You never know with Jared.”

Jared Verse transferred to Florida State from Albany ahead of the 2022 season. With his big personality, Jordan Travis admitted that he rubbed people the wrong way at first. Then, he started to produce on the field and everyone came around on Verse. In 12 games, he had nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

“We are so blessed to have him back. Just another leader for this football team and obviously a great playmaker. I’m so glad he’s on our team and we’re not facing him. He’s a special player.”

Jared Verse returned to Florida State because he has big plans for the 2023 season. That includes finding a way to make it to the College Football Playoff.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt in that,” Verse said. “I think if we do what we are able to do, we compete the way we are able to compete, we play the way we are able to play — play as one — I don’t think there is anyone that can stop us. But we got to be able to do those things, execute.”

Jared Verse says he can fight a lion

There is something to be said for having a personality like Jared Verse. He’s not afraid to tell a joke or work to make someone smile. He’s also incredibly confident. In fact, he’s so confident that he thinks he can fight a lion with his bare hands.

“I am taking down, and I said this with my chest yesterday and I’m gonna say it with my chest again. I’m going to put both hands on the table so you really understand me. I am taking down a lion barehanded,” Verse said.

“Let me tell you why. Let me tell you why. These muscles are not for show. These muscles can do some damage. I will take down a lion — not with ease. I might take a lock off the ground, do something real quick.”