Multiple Florida State Athletes Discuss their Reaction and Excitement to Play in Ireland
Excitement is already beginning to build for a game that is still over a year and a half away from kicking off. Earlier this week, Florida State held a press conference inside the Champions Club to formally announce details about the program's season-opener in 2024 which will be held in Dublin, Ireland.
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The Seminoles will be taking on Georgia Tech in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on an international stage in week zero. The game will also mark the first contest without Jordan Travis on the roster since head coach Mike Norvell arrived in Tallahassee.
Though Travis will have moved on by that point, Florida State is still expected to field plenty of talent. A couple of players, including redshirt junior Markeston Douglas, redshirt sophomore defensive end Patrick Payton, and sophomore cornerback Azareye'h Thomas were in attendance on Tuesday to listen to the congregation of Norvell, Athletic Director Michael Alford, FSU President Richard McCullough, Ireland Senator Mark Daly, among others, speak about the event.
The players actually learned of the international game the same way that the fanbase did, through social media. Thomas saw the news on Snapchat while he was visiting his brother in Dallas. Douglas mentioned that he was in 'awe' when he saw that the team would be playing in Ireland.
The trio has never traveled out of the United States to this point but is excited to embrace the culture of another country. The first step will be securing passports which the majority of the roster does not have.
"Being from Miami, I've never really been out of the country," Payton said. "I've never really been too far from home so I know it'll be a great experience for the team and people who have never really been out of the country and never got to see different stuff outside of their hometown."
"I've never been overseas, I've never been out of the country," Douglas remarked. "Just to go over there to play football for the school, repping the brand, repping my name, my family. Doing something I love, competing at the highest level, I was just happy, like grateful that I'll get that chance."
One of the organizers of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, John Anthony, mentioned on Tuesday that Florida State has already compiled the highest sales by any school in the first week since the game has been announced. That includes more interest than a school such as Notre Dame, which has played in Ireland twice since 1996 and has a third game scheduled for August 26, 2023, against Navy.
Anthony detailed that over 20,000 Americans are expected to be in attendance for the matchup against Georgia Tech. The support from the fanbase is something that the players have taken note of.
"It makes me feel like our fans really care about what we're doing," Douglas said. "They want to travel with us, be with us, and help us succeed. Fans bring momentum and they bring the energy that we need if we're down but I don't think we're going to be down."
"It's crazy. It just shows the power and impact of our logo and of this school," Thomas added. "It's great to be able to experience that."
The trip will provide an opportunity for the team to bond together while embarking on a journey that few are able to experience. Douglas, Thomas, and Payton are ready to take it all in, including the long flight to get to Dublin.
"Honestly just getting to travel out of the country. See new places, see new things, meet new people, being with my team and creating that bond," Douglas said. "We're already strong but it'll just make us stronger. Long plane rides together. Good environment, good vibes."
"Really just the culture and the food as well but my number one thing is the culture," Thomas continued. "Just going over there and experiencing something different is always good."
"Seeing stuff different from like where we're from," Payton replied. "Just seeing their community and their own culture and different stuff that they do over there that we don't do over here. I feel like it'll be a good experience for us."
No matter the sport, Florida State's athletes consistently provide support for one another on social media and in person. That community is one thing that sets the Seminoles apart from the rest of the pack.
Tuesday was a special moment for Florida State Soccer's Heather Payne. A rising senior and native of Ireland, Payne offered a perspective of the country from someone who was born there.
"I think just as a nation we're really welcoming. We love expressing our culture and showing off our traditions because we're a small country but we're a very loving and special county," Payne said. "I think that kind of adds to it. We love welcoming new nations and of course, everyone knows that Ireland and America have that relationship. I think it'll be a really special weekend to welcome the Seminoles over."
The Seminoles and Yellow Jackets are scheduled to face off in Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Fans can learn more about the travel packages by clicking HERE.
Douglas appeared in all 13 games, with four starts, last season. He caught 14 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, including a career-high four catches for 50 yards against Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl.
Payton appeared in all 13 games while developing into the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was a crucial part of the rotation at defensive end, totaling 31 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, and three pass deflections.
Thomas asserted himself quickly during his first year on campus, appearing in 11 games and working his way into the rotation. He recorded 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and one interception while showing off his future potential.
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