Jared Verse Improving and Impressing Everyday

It is that time of year when college football players are gearing up for the start of the season. Some are taking it easy and relying on last season’s skills. Others are picking up new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals by the day. Jared Verse is taking another route.

Verse continues to look for new ways to improve every day. The 22-year-old is a part of almost every mock draft already and is consistently in the top-ten draft picks. Some may wonder why he is climbing so high in the ranks.

Verse proving to be valuable on and off the field

Recently, Verse was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. “Honoring college football’s most impactful leaders in community service, The Wuerffel Trophy is presented to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field,” according to the official website.

If Verse received the award, he would be only the second player from FSU to do so in history.

What is the Wuerffel Trophy?

Named after Danny Wuerffel, the annual award is given to a player who stands out in terms of integrity, honesty, and volunteer work. Wuerffel was the 1996 National Championship-winning quarterback of the University of Florida Gators. Afterward, he went on to play for six seasons in the NFL and now works as a philanthropist.

“Semi-finalists will be announced on November 2nd and finalists will be announced on November 28th,” according to 247Sports. “The 2023 Wuerffel Trophy recipient will be announced on The Home Depot/ESPN College Football Awards Show airing at 7:00 p.m.” 

The 2023 Wuerffel Trophy will take place at the 55th Annual All Sports Association Awards Banquet in Fort Walton Beach, Florida in February 2024.

Voting periods have not been released yet. However, when the time comes, fans can vote for Verse at the official Wuerffel Trophy website linked above.

Verse refusing to take it easy

Instead of kicking back and relaxing after a solid 10-3 season like many players would, Verse got to work. When asked about a difference in his physical appearance, the defensive end shared that he gained about ten pounds of muscle since last season.

“You look noticeably bigger, one interviewer stated. “How much bigger are you than you were this time last year?”

“It’s all in the quads,” he said after confirming his muscle gain. “I feel very similar to how I felt back at 250 (lbs). I felt quick, I felt fast, I felt a lot stronger. Honestly I feel a little bit faster,” Verse says, describing his weight change and how it affects him on the field.

Verse’s key to victory

One interviewer asked the Seminole if he had a go-to phrase when it comes to competing against teammates or opponents. 

Verse responded, “I’m gonna break you down and rebuild you in my image.” 

I think this phrase sums up Verse’s drive, as well as his determination to make it far as a professional football player. Aside from his nominations and improvements in physique, the defensive lineman also works with The Battle’s End Collective. Not to mention, he has an NIL deal with Kraft Nissan.

If you are not considering Verse as a top-ten pick in next year’s draft, you are underestimating this player.

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.