WATCH: Former FSU Football Star Jared Verse Destroys Bench Press Number at NFL Combine
Former Florida State star Jared Verse has been one of the talks of the town at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Coming into the week wanting to solidify his status as a first-round pick, Verse has done that and more following a remarkable outing in the athletic testing and on-field drills.
The high-profile prospect finished off his stay at the combine by dominating the bench press portion of the event. Tasked with lifting 225 pounds for as many reps as possible, Verse came out leading the pack after putting up an eye-popping 31 reps. As of now, that's the second-most at the combine this year and five more than any other defensive end. He recorded more reps than all but one defensive tackle who decided to participate.
In fact, Verse's number ranks first among defensive ends over the last three combines. Comparing him to another elite prospect, 2022 No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux only totaled 27 reps. There have only been 11 prospects to record 30 or more bench press reps since 2022.
Outside of the bench press, Verse ranked third in the 20-yard shuttle (4.44 seconds), third in the three-cone drill (7.31 seconds), tied for third in the broad jump (10'7"), and fourth in the 40-yard dash (4.48 seconds). Those athletic traits are notable when you factor in that he's nearly 6-foot-4 and weighed in at 254 pounds.
According to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, Verse recorded the fastest 40 by any prospect at the combine with 33+ inch arms and 30+ bench reps over the last decade. Guess who came in second? Former No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett. That's the type of territory that Verse has elevated himself into.
Verse is quick to credit his time at Florida State for developing him into a top prospect. He believes that his technique improved immensely while learning from Mike Norvell, John Papuchis, Odell Haggins, and Adam Fuller.
“Oh, they changed me as a player," Verse said at the combine. "If you watch my Albany film vs. my Florida State film, it’s a different person. Not because of anything physically, but because of the technique and stuff.”
While he was only with the Seminoles for two years, Verse made an instant impact that was felt across Tallahassee. He was a back-to-back First-Team All-ACC selection and regarded as an All-American by multiple media outlets. Verse totaled 89 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and three pass deflections.
Verse should hear his name called shortly after the NFL Draft begins in April.
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