Florida State got excited when Marvin Jones Jr. decided to return to Tallahassee after transferring from Georgia. The Seminoles were able to acquire a legacy in the son of legendary linebacker Marvin Jones Sr., while acquiring a very high-ceiling prospect in the process.
Jones Jr., a five-star prospect in the 2022 class, was limited by injuries, scheme and layering with the Bulldogs. Since arriving at Florida State in January, head coach Mike Norvell has gotten a taste of what he brings. Norvell has already seen Jones Jr.'s progress and praises his work ethic and his desire to be great.
Read more: Who forced the most turnovers on FSU football in the two spring scrimmages?
“We have high expectations for all of our players, so I can't say we'll exceed them, but I'm definitely excited about what we've seen in terms of his progress,” Norvell said last week. “He's a guy who loves his job and puts a lot of effort into it. Everyone talks about wanting to be great, but I think he's willing to put in the effort to take the necessary steps. I like what I'm seeing from him and I'm excited to see him get even better.”
The Seminoles operate a 4-2-5 under defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and Jones Jr. returns to the traditional defensive end position he played during his prep career while recording 20 sacks at American Heritage. ing. This was an exciting revelation for Florida State this spring, as the rising junior always stood out when the lights were brightest.
Jones Jr. is a tall edge defender with a quick first step off the snap of the ball. His combination of strength and speed makes him a threat on every down. That's one reason he's already making a name for himself in a revamped defensive end that's loaded from top to bottom.
In fact, Jones Jr. is exactly what Nobel expected.
“I'm really excited. I think Marvin is exactly what we thought he would be just with his athleticism and ability. I think we're growing with him,” Norvell said.
Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller echoed Norvell's sentiment, noting that Jones Jr. had flashes in Florida State's first scrimmage. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end is on the right track now that the Seminoles are in the second half of spring.
The Florida native's progress is one of the most notable in recent weeks. He seems ready to come back with a defensive system that better plays to his strengths. Regardless of whether Jones Jr. ultimately earns the starting job, he will be a big part of FSU's defensive success in 2024.
“I think Marvin showed flashes, especially on the defensive end. He was exactly what I expected him to be,” Fuller said. “He's really athletic, he's physical. He's got physical traits and he loves football. We're seeing a lot of things in him that I expected. .”
Jones Jr. appeared in 25 games during his two years with the Bulldogs, including one start, totaling 16 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. He won a national championship at Georgia in 2022.
Read more: FSU football brings back 1999 national champions as guest coaches for spring showcase
continue nord game day For more Florida State football coverage throughout the spring
Follow NoleGameday twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and tick tock
