The Florida State defense has struggled mightily during the Seminoles’ three-game losing streak that has them 3-3 and searching for answers. One of the bright spots for the entire unit has been the play of freshmen Mandrell and Darryll Desir, who already look like two of their best defensive linemen.
Mandrell received some major recognition for his breakout performance this week and was named to On3’s 2025 Midseason True Freshman All-American Team by Charles Powers. He is the only FSU player to make the list after he impressed Powers with his consistency and versatility.
“Desir’s physicality and effort have allowed him to create consistent backfield disruption, while his effort and motor show up on film as a run defender,” he said. “He was instrumental in Florida State’s Week 1 win over Alabama, making several key plays that helped swing momentum early.”
Mandrell leads all freshmen defensive linemen in the country with 12 pressures, which is tied for the team lead. The Miami, Florida product has also made 12 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. His 151 snaps are the most by any freshman on FSU’s roster and third among their defensive linemen, behind only Darrell Jackson Jr. and Daniel Lyons.
He and the rest of the Seminoles will return to action on Saturday when they head to Palo Alto, California, to play the Stanford Cardinal. The game is set to start at 10:30 p.m. ET and will be on ESPN.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU DL named Midseason Freshman All-American by On3
Reporting by JD McCarthy, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
