Kalen DeLoach opens up on what his time at Florida State has meant to him

Before Kalen DeLoach declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, the Florida State linebacker looked back at his time with the Seminoles.

Through all of the ups and downs, DeLoach looked back fondly at his career in Tallahassee. He announced his intentions to go to the draft back on December 28th.

But his career at Florida State will always have a special place in his heart.

“My experience here at Florida State, just being here when we wasn’t where we at now, just to see the growth and the guys that bought in from day one,” DeLoach said. “I’ve been there the whole time, so to see the growth, the buy-in, I’m going to remember that forever, because a lot of guys made sacrifices to go out there each and every day to be their best every day. They’ve pushed every day to be their best.

“I’m thanking them guys every opportunity I get for just — just giving me the best season I’ve ever had so far in my life. Just the experiences and everything I got to go through, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

DeLoach spent five seasons with Florida State, and he put up the best numbers of his career in 2023. He had 66 tackles while setting new career highs with 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. He also added an interception — the second of his career.

On the whole, Kalen DeLoach had 210 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks during his time in Tallahassee. He joins multiple other big-name players who also declared for the draft — including wide receiver Keon Coleman, EDGE Jared Verse and running back Trey Benson.

As a member of the Class of 2019, DeLoach was a four-star recruit out of Savannah (Ga.) Islands, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 27 overall prospect in the state, the No. 29 linebacker in the class and the No. 237 overall prospect in the class.

“Florida State University I am grateful for the transformative five years I’ve spent at this great university,” DeLoach said in his letter. “Coming here as a young man I am leaving with a degree, having allowed grown both academically and athletically. The experiences I’ve had here will always be remembered, as I am grateful for each one of them. I will forever be a Seminole and hold the pride of being unconquered proudly. FSU will always hold a special place in my heart.”