ORLANDO, Fla. — As Florida State continues preparations for playing in its first bowl game since 2019, the Seminoles know they’ll have the services of first-team All-ACC selections in safety Jammie Robinson and edge rusher Jared Verse.
Robinson and Verse committed to playing in the postseason rather than bypassing the opportunity in favor of preparing for the NFL draft in April. While they haven’t made any decisions on their futures, both players are projected as possible selections in the draft.
“There’s been no debate. I love football — I love the game and that’s what I’m here for,” Robinson said. “I’m here to help the team get wins, and I’m a team guy. It’s another game for me to showcase what I do and what I love.”
Added Verse, “I plan on playing in the bowl game no matter what. I want to give my best effort and I’m still deciding what I’m going to do in the future.”
While FSU’s postseason plans are unclear, the Seminoles have been projected to play anywhere from the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. A final decision won’t come until Sunday afternoon after the College Football Playoff selection show.
A growing trend has been players choosing to opt-out of a bowl game rather than run the risk of getting hurt before the NFL combine in February.
“Guys like that — they’re going to regret it in the end. You can’t take it for granted,” said Robinson, who led the team with 86 tackles, including four tackles for loss, an interception, four pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. “I’m going to miss college football, and I want to get every game in. I’m here for Florida State for sure.”
Despite being projected as a first-round pick in the NFL Draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Verse hasn’t decided about his future.
“I’m still deciding what I’m going to do for the future,” said the redshirt sophomore transfer. “I’m talking to people close to me, talking to people around me who have more information to try and know the best situation for me.”
15 earn All-ACC honors
Florida State had 15 players earn All-ACC honors, with three players named to the first team, four to the second, one on the third and seven honorable mentions. It was the second-most in the conference behind Clemson’s 22 and the most by the Seminoles since 2015.
Senior offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons joined Robinson and Verse on the first team, while quarterback Jordan Travis led the second team with running back Trey Benson, receiver Johnny Wilson and offensive tackle Robert Scott Jr. Offensive guard D’Mitri Emmanuel made the third team.
Center Maurice Smith, running back Treshaun Ward, defensive tackles Fabien Lovett and Robert Cooper, linebacker Tatum Bethune, cornerback Renardo Green and punt returner Mycah Pittman earned honorable mention honors.
