Mike Norvell shares how Patrick Payton has emerged in spring practice

Florida State defensive lineman Patrick Payton had a great 2022 season, winning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. But he is set to have an even bigger role going forward.

One of the defensive end spots will be held down by Jared Verse, considered one of the top EDGEs on the country. But with Derrick McLendon entering the transfer portal last week, Payton has a chance to earn an even bigger role in the Seminoles defense.

“Pat is a very talented young man,” Seminoles head coach Norvell said over the past weekend. “I think that when you watch last year you saw the flashes. You saw the potential, I think he’s taken a lot of ownership in the details and trying to be better against the run at times, in condensing space, playing with technique and fundamentals. He’s got a great ability as a pass rusher. It’s been a big challenge for him. It’s one of the things that seeing him grow in that.”

Payton finished his redshirt freshman year with 31 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks. He was a four-star EDGE recruit coming out of high school in the 2021 recruiting class.

Patrick Payton is a key piece on Florida State’s defensive line

Mike Norvell likes the group of players he has in the Florida State defensive line room. With All-American Jared Verse leading the room, it has the chance to be one of the biggest strengths of the Seminoles in 2023.

“I think our defensive front has a lot of flexibility,” Norvell said. “It’s guys that are inside that can play outside. Guys that we can we can move around and be able to attack in different matchups. I’m excited about the potential we have.”

One player who Norvell thinks can be a difference marker on the defensive line could be Jaden Jones.

Jones is a junior college transfer from Hutchinson Community College. He is currently recovering from an ACL tear he sustained during the season.

“A guy like Jaden Jones is kind of an X factor for us,” Norvell said. “Unbelievable size. Agility. Ability. He’s doing his rehabilitation as he’s coming in. You sit there and you see him he’s already put onto the close to 15 pounds. He’s pushing over 240 pounds now and maybe closer to 250. A guy that’s almost 6-6, You see and feel the strength that’s developing. I like the room. I really do.”