'Everything I was looking for' ... Q&A with new Florida State DL transfer Braden Fiske

Florida State’s impressive run of success in the transfer portal continued on Monday with a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 defensive tackle transfer, Braden Fiske.

Shortly after making his announcement, the former Western Michigan star spoke with Warchant about his decision, when he plans to arrive at Florida State, what role he hopes to take on with the Seminoles and more.

Q: I’m sure this was a wild day for you, Braden, so walk me through how the decision came about and how excited you are about becoming a Seminole?

A: They were everything I was looking for. They came to see me three times, and every time I felt so comfortable. I could really tell something is brewing there with FSU, and when I saw the guys out there at practice, you could feel something different. This is going to be a special place, and I want to be a part of that. Me and my family broke it down, and this is the best place from a culture standpoint and a place I see me fitting in best for playing time and the fit. Then getting out of this cold weather up north and being there; I really enjoyed it at FSU. And to get to work with Coach Haggins (defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins), that’s a big thing for me. He’s one of the best in the business, and it was too tough to pass up.

Q: Was there one specific thing that tipped things to Florida State’s favor? Or was it a combination of things?

A: Pretty much all in one. But development, fit and the way they play were the biggest things for me. I have the best opportunity to play, develop at this level and take my talents to the next level. Also, to be a part of a team that is championship-level, since I’ve never done that in my career. I could see FSU was the team right there on the brink with a few more additions to make a big difference.

*** Sign up for one year of premium access to Warchant.com and the On3 Network for only $10. ***

Q: When you watched Florida State’s defense, was there a specific role you could see yourself playing? Or a player you feel like you could be similar to?

A: I think it was kind of across the board with several guys. But I would lean more toward Fabien Lovett and then some with Robert Cooper at the noseguard position — those were the main guys. Lovett was the big one that I studied. I’ve played across the board on the line. We can present a lot of looks anywhere on the defensive line with where I can play. I can play a wide-five to the nose.

Q: What was the reaction from the coaching staff when you let them know your decision?

A: They were pretty pumped up. Wyatt (Rector) actually told me Coach Fuller (defensive coordinator Adam Fuller) and Coach Norvell (head coach Mike Norvell) went to tackling him. You could hear it through the phone how happy they were about the commitment. Those guys were going crazy, and I was too — as was my family. Coach Norvell is a ball of energy, and he could not thank me enough. And I felt the same way in thanking him for the opportunity. I’m just really ready to get to work. He understood it was a stressful (decision). From the start, the FSU staff was so consistent from the moment I hit the portal and made sure they went to see me right away. So it was just everything, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Q: You talked earlier about Odell Haggins. How big of a role did he play in your decision? And what is it about him that impresses players so much even off the field?

A: Oh yes, no doubt he was a big part of this. Just what you see is what you get with him, and he says that all the time. But it’s so genuine and true when you are around him. Just the way he interacted with me, my parents or anyone around me, it was so genuine. He is one of the most down-to-earth guys you can find, and being there for 29 years speaks to that. He cares a lot about you as a person. He’s a great coach, but to build a championship, it takes a personal connection to the players and coaches. That’s what he’s best at, and he’s always going to get the best out of you.

Q: I know your former teammate and roommate, Wyatt Rector, probably wants one more year with you. But what was his reaction when you told him the news?

A: Yes sir. He was pretty pumped up for me, and I actually think he has one more year if he wanted to come back, but I think he’s ready to move on. But I’m trying to work on him. It would be a tremendous thing to play with him one more time. It’s a small world in how we met [at Western Michigan and are] coming full circle.

Q: I never asked you about this when you came for your official visit, but what did you think of Tallahassee and the community when you were here?

A: I think it’s a big city but not too big for my size and flow. I’m not a big-city guy, and I really like the size of it. It has that feel that when it’s Friday or Saturday everything shuts down and it’s about Florida State. Just what it offers for me as a place. I really liked it a lot. You can tell Saturdays are going to be special. If gives off the feel of a place that is just ready to erupt.

Q: So when are you getting to Florida State and enrolling? And what are some things you hope to accomplish when you get there?

A: I plan to be there by next week. Probably between January 2nd or 3rd. School starts on the 9th. So just the sooner the best. Part of that is being around the guys and building that connection and then getting into that playbook; that’s the biggest part of getting there so early. I’ve still got a little rehab with my shoulder, but also want to spend as much time with the players.

Being around the players, they are all really good dudes. No matter where you play, there is a brotherhood, but I certainly felt with this group it was a different level. It was a very genuine trust with these guys, and they took me in without knowing me. Some even texted me and congratulated me. Like Jared Verse and some other guys. Jared told me how it’s a great opportunity, like it is for him, and we have similar paths to how we got here.

Q: Florida State obviously has made major strides this season under Norvell. How excited are you to be a part of that?

A: Yeah, you saw it at Memphis and now at FSU. He comes into a program that is hitting a downward turn, and he builds it from the ground up with his own guys and his own culture, and that’s really tough to do nowadays with coaches getting canned in year one or year two. So you see him this year at 9-3, and then next year potentially a top-10 team. So it’s a big deal. I see it, feel it. This team is all bought in. Feels like a playoff team.

I can’t wait to watch them Thursday. Now that’s my home. We are going to root them on hard. I’m just looking to see the energy and how they look in the bowl game, because how you finish the season leads you into the next season in finishing with a bang. Just overall seeing how the guys play one last time.

I can’t even put into words how excited I am to be there. This process has been long. The last three or four weeks has been crazy, unbelievable, and I’m very glad it’s over. I’m glad it’s in a warm state, and I’m so excited to be around a great group of guys and team who will show me the ropes. I’m just so ready to get to work and make this championship run.

Talk about this story with other die-hard FSU football fans on the Tribal Council.