DE Patrick Payton, several top OL announce returns to Florida State in 2024
The Florida State football team not only learned of a new addition for 2024, as quarterback transfer DJ Uiagalelei made his commitment, but the Seminoles also confirmed the returns of several key players.
Through announcements from The Battle’s End collective, offensive tackles Darius Washington and Robert Scott, center Maurice Smith and defensive end Patrick Payton confirmed they are coming back for another year Monday.
Payton had previously announced in December that he intended to enter the transfer portal. However, that seemed to quickly change as he deleted the tweet and played in the Orange Bowl.
Then came Monday’s announcement:
Payton ranked sixth on the Florida State defense in total tackles with 44 this season. He also had 14.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks.
Payton also affected opposing passing attacks by batting down 10 balls at the line of scrimmage.
The Seminoles also have to be elated about the return of veteran Darius Washington, who proved to be one of the most versatile players on the team by playing multiple positions on the offensive line. He actually earned first-team All-ACC honors at offensive tackle.
Washington played tackle and guard and even served as Florida State’s top backup center while starter Maurice Smith was banged up throughout the year.
According to Pro Football Focus, Washington was the second-highest graded pass-blocker on the team with an 85.5 average. Washington also had an overall offensive grade of 75.6 and a run-blocking grade of 69.1.
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Smith also announced his return to Tallahassee for the 2024 season. He played in 12 of Florida State’s 13 games this past season and has been a starter for most of the past four years.
Smith had an offensive PFF grade of 69.9 this season, as well as a 72.7 run-blocking grade and a 69 in pass-blocking.
Scott didn’t play as much as the others in 2023 due to a foot or ankle injury, but he was a second-team All-ACC performer in 2022. If he can get back to full strength, he could be penciled as the Seminoles’ starting left tackle in ’24.
Scott played more than 15 snaps in just five games this season, but he did play 39 snaps against Georgia in the Orange Bowl and 27 in the ACC Championship Game against Louisville.
Talk about this story with other die-hard Florida State football fans on the Tribal Council.
