Warchant Top 40: FSU Football's top players of 2023 (No. 31-35)

It’s time to look ahead to the 2023 Florida State football season with Warchant’s annual list of the Top 40 players on the Seminoles’ roster — the players we expect to make the biggest impact for FSU this fall. (Note: This is not necessarily the 40 most talented players, but the players we believe will have the opportunity and capability to make the biggest impact this season.)

The list was compiled through voting by Warchant’s Gene Williams, Ira Schoffel, Corey Clark, Jeff Cameron, Aslan Hajivandi and Tom Lang.

The Top 40 will be revealed in segments, continuing today with players No. 35 through No. 31.

Earlier Installments: Players No. 36-40 |

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No. 35 Junior OL Darius Washington

There is a chance he won’t start a single game in 2023. But that doesn’t mean Washington won’t be a big part of the Seminoles’ offense. Because what he gives offensive coordinator/line coach Alex Atkins and head coach Mike Norvell is a proven player who can play multiple positions and be a primary backup all across the offensive line.

That’s an invaluable luxury.

Washington has played 34 games in his career so far, including 27 starts. Last year, he began the season as a backup but wound up starting seven games — four at right tackle, two at left tackle and one at center. He also has played guard during his time in garnet and gold.

He is, without question, one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the country. And he’s still just a redshirt junior. His experience and position-flexibility makes him a vital part of the Seminoles’ plans, even if he doesn’t end up winning a starting job coming out of preseason practice.

Individual rankings — Gene (34), Ira (36), Corey (29), Jeff (NR), Aslan (35), Tom (NR).

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No. 34 Junior TE Kyle Morlock

He’s a bit of a wildcard heading into 2023. And at 6-foot-6, he’s a very big wildcard.

Morlock will be playing his first year of Division-I football this fall after starring at Shorter College the last two seasons. He was a two-time Division=II All-American there, totaling 57 catches for 890 yards and 11 touchdowns in 24 games.

He got to Tallahassee in time for spring practice and showcased his potential throughout. His size (6-6, 242 pounds) speaks for itself, but he also moves well and has very good hands as a former high school receiver. As the spring wore on, he seemed to get more and more comfortable with the Florida State offense and the speed of the game.

The only questions for Morlock are how well he can block on a down-to-down basis, and how much he’ll be on the field. He hasn’t faced anything yet in a game like the defensive ends and linebackers he’ll be facing in 2023. And as of now, he’s likely the third-string tight end behind fellow transfer Jaheim Bell and veteran Markeston Douglas, who also had an impressive spring practice.

Individual rankings — Gene (30), Ira (NR), Corey (NR), Jeff (31), Aslan (36), Tom (34).

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No. 33 Sophomore DB Azareye’h Thomas

He played 300 snaps as a true freshman in 2022, and has all the tools to be a star defensive back at the college level. But he also has some work to do to get there, and he’s got a whole lot of competition to get on the field.

Thomas was already going to have a battle on his hands for major playing time, even before the Seminoles signed all-conference cornerback Fentrell Cypress from Virginia. Along with returning starter Renardo Green on the other side, it’s not going to be easy for Thomas to break through at one of the two primary corner spots. There’s also senior Jarrian Jones, who came on strong at the end of last season and will be a major candidate as well.

No matter who claims the starting jobs, Thomas should get reps as a primary backup, and he could get a look at other defensive back positions as well. He is extremely intelligent and gifted athletically, so the future is definitely bright. The question is whether he can pass some older players on the depth chart this fall.

Individual rankings — Gene (35), Ira (31), Corey (34), Jeff (33), Aslan (32), Tom (35).

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No. 32 Senior DL Dennis Briggs

He has bounced around between defensive end and defensive tackle for much of his career. Now, it would appear, he has stopped the back-and-forth and is strictly going to be on the interior for the Seminoles. That should do nothing but help him as he prepares for his last season in garnet and gold.

The question now becomes: How much will Briggs get on the field? He played in 13 games last year, including three starts, and finished with 21 tackles, 3.5 for loss and 3 sacks. He figured to be a key figure on the defensive front heading into 2023. But then Fabien Lovett announced he’d be returning to school. Then the Seminoles signed defensive tackles Darrell Jackson and Braden Fiske out of the portal. And all of the sudden, Briggs likely was knocked down a peg or two on the depth chart.

Still, he has a chance to be a real contributor in 2023. His experience is valuable, and he has proven he can play at this level. His presence should be able to give position coach Odell Haggins and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller a chance to rotate their defensive tackles constantly, keeping them fresh for the fourth quarter.

Individual rankings — Gene (32), Ira (NR), Corey (NR), Jeff (20), Aslan (29), Tom (28).

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No. 31 Junior DE Gilber Edmond

He’s essentially taking the place of Derrick McLendon on the Seminoles’ defensive front. McLendon transferred to Colorado after totaling 37 tackles, five for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2022. Edmond transfers in from South Carolina after totaling 39 tackles, nine for loss and two sacks in 2022.

So, from a production standpoint, it looks like a wash. Edmond, a redshirt junior, might have a bit more raw potential than McLendon though. He certainly displayed some during the spring. He’s 6-foot-4, 245 pounds and moves well for his size. Maybe a change of scenery transforms him from a solid college defensive end to a very good one.

At any rate, he figures to play a lot for the Seminoles in 2023, likely as the primary backup behind Jared Verse or Patrick Payton. And if he can reach his ceiling, that could give FSU one of the best trios of defensive ends in the United States. If he can’t, he still figures to be an important piece of the Florida State defense.

Individual rankings — Gene (40), Ira (32), Corey (24), Jeff (NR), Aslan (21), Tom (29).

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