Florida State football had a very productive 2023 campaign which consisted of an undefeated regular season and a conference championship. However, the Seminoles will now have to retool its roster after several contributors have moved on to the NFL.

This is the landscape of college football. It won’t be easy though. Players such as quarterback Jordan Travis, defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr., linebacker Kalen DeLoach, cornerback Renardo Green, and safety Akeem Dent have been around the program for quite some time.

This presents the following question: Who is the best player on the Seminoles’ roster for the 2024 season?

This is a tough question, I don’t want fans to have its pitchforks ready as they start an angry mob over the selection in their article.

I think there are four options for who that could be.

DE PATRICK PAYTON

-The former four-star prospect has consistently improved every season while he has been in Tallahassee. He has transformed his body to look like an immovable force and he is now listed at 253 pounds. With the ultra-talented Jared Verse on to the NFL, I could see Payton having double-digit sacks in 2024.

CB AZAREYE’H THOMAS

-Veteran defensive backs such as Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones, and Akeem Dent are off to the NFL now. However, you should not fear as junior cornerback Azareye’h Thomas is here to save the day. Last season, the Niceville (FL) native had double-digit pass breakups and will most certainly be locking down opposing pass catchers.

S SHYHEIM BROWN

-It is well-documented that safety Akeem Dent was the quarterback of the defense last season. When the veteran went through some injuries in 2023, you could see the unit was missing guidance and communication. Shyheim Brown looks to step into that leadership role as he develops his game.

OL DARIUS WASHINGTON

– Typically, offensive linemen never get enough love. The guys in the trenches are always doing the dirty work. If Florida State wants to be successful in 2024, they will need to protect quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and create rushing lanes for their backs. Darius “Swiss Army Knife” Washington plays all over the offensive line and will play left tackle this upcoming season. He will look to obtain First Team All-ACC honors once again.

MY SELECTION

I think that defensive end Patrick Payton will be the best player on the Seminoles’ roster this upcoming season. I believe that he will have at least 12 sacks this year and will be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft where he continues the defensive end excellence at Florida State.