Will Jared Verse Turn FSU’s Luck Around at the Next Draft?

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach looks at Florida State’s (FSU) EDGE rusher Jared Verse and his business deals.

In recent years, Florida State has not been a major player in the draft.

This may change in April of 2024.

FSU’s Jared Verse is rumored to be a possible top-10 pick in next year’s draft.

Although it is early, he is taking steps to make the most out of his brand value. Verse’s athleticism speaks for itself, but some people may not know about the 22-year old’s NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) work.

In January of this year, The Battle’s End announced its partnership with this pass rusher in a tweet.

What is The Battle’s End?

The Battle’s End (TBE) is a new Name, Image, and Likeness collective that helps student-athletes maximize their business opportunities. TBE helps college athletes form partnerships and learn tools for a successful future on and off of the football field. 

…and yes, their name comes from the lyric in FSU’s famous “Fight Song.”

A “proud partner of the Seminoles,” there are over 60 Florida State college athletes that are a part of TBE. A few of the other players in the organization include Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, and Kalen DeLoach. Several of these players attended the 2023 Super Bowl. Others visited the John Lewis Legacy Institute Gala’s commemoration of what would have been the 83rd birthday of the civil rights leaders.

How you can be a part of TBE

Anyone who wishes to be a part of the collective can participate and choose from five different packages. There are several membership tiers starting at $19.93 every month, which represents Florida State’s first national title in 1993. There are options in between, but the most expensive package goes all the way up to a $1,000 contribution, monthly. Fans can also donate annually.

Depending on which tier a donor selects, they benefit in the form of membership cards, merchandise credit, exclusive access to interviews and ticket sales, and personalized letters and videos from TBE athletes. The organization’s website also features a catalog, where fans can choose from a selection of apparel and accessories.

But is this program going to contribute to FSU’s lack of representation at the draft?

Although the collective seems to be a plan that benefits almost everyone, it might have a hand in why Florida will continue to have limited representation at this year’s draft. The Osceola predicts that The Battle’s End will continue to impact the number of Florida State players in the draft if they keep focusing on active roster retention. Verse is just one of a number of Seminoles who have held onto their uniform for one more year.

Verse commented on his decision to stay, “One big reason I did come back was to get better. It wasn’t anything major. I wasn’t trying to get faster or stronger, which I do want to do, but it was the smaller things, the things that other people would see when they really focus up on the film not everyone is going to see.”

Verse was announced one of 42 collegiate football players up for the 2023 Lott IMPACT Trophy. 

This award is given out annually, to one college football defender who exemplifies qualities of Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. Last year’s winner was Will Anderson Jr., an EDGE rusher from Alabama.

Verse also has an endorsement deal with Kraft Nissan.

Who knows what partnerships may come for the rising star throughout his next season with the Seminoles…

Regardless of what he pursues, Verse is likely to have a career if he keeps up his entrepreneurial spirit. 

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.