FSU Football Transfers: Norvell identifies needs, utilizes transfer portal to build out roster

Since taking the Florida State job last December, Mike Norvell has utilized a very straightforward approach to roster construction. This is arguably the most important task of a college coach: roster management. It blends both day-to-day maintenance and macro-planning. In Norvell’s case, the 38-year-old coach isolated roster deficiencies and sought to address his program’s needs.

A big part of this process has been the transfer portal; it didn’t take long for Norvell to starting adding pieces. Only a few weeks into his tenure, Norvell landed commitments from running back Jashaun Corbin (Texas A&M), defensive tackle Jarrett Jackson (Louisville) and offensive tackle Devontay Love-Taylor (FIU).

Throughout the winter and into the spring and summer, FSU has continued to added players via the transfer portal, including several Power 5 talents.

 

Jashaun Corbin – RB, Texas A&M

  • Immediately eligible for 2020 season
  • Redshirt sophomore with 3 years of eligibility
  • 14 career games
    • 483 yards rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
  • In 2018, he served as the backup to Trayveon Williams (346 rushing yards, 5.7 per carry)
    • Served as the kick returner for the Aggies, scored on a 100-yard return against Arkansas

Devontay Love-Taylor – OT, FIU

  • Graduate transfer
  • Two years of eligibility remaining
  • Starter at RT at FIU
    • Could see playing time as a starter at either tackle position in 2020

 

Jarrett Jackson – DT, Louisville

  • Redshirt sophomore with 3 years of eligibility remaining
    • Entered the transfer portal in Aug. 2019; didn’t play in the 2019 season
  • As a true freshman in 2018: 16 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks (No. 1 on Louisville’s roster)

 

Cornel Jones – LB, Purdue

  • Inside linebacker with size: 6-foot-2, 235 pounds
  • Played at Purdue for 3 seasons (2017-19); will redshirt in 2020, return to field in 2021
  • Career: recorded 99 total tackles and 3.5 sacks
  • During the 2018 season:
    • 12.5 tackles for loss
    • 3.5 sacks
  • 2-year starter for Purdue; limited to just 6 games in 2019 (injuries)

 

Deonte Williams – LB, Baylor

  • Instantly eligible for 2020 season, with 2 years of eligibility remaining
  • Redshirt in 2016; sat out 2019 season with severe arm injury
  • In 2 seasons with Baylor (2017-18), appeared in 16 games (4 starts)
    • 2017: 15 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery and 2 QB hurries
    • 2018: 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack

 

Meiko Dotson – DB, FAU

  • Grad transfer, immediately eligible for 2020
  • Spent 2 years at Georgia Tech (2015-16), redshirt in 2015
  • Led the FBS in 2019 with 9 interceptions
    • FAU led the nation in turnovers gained

 

Fabien Lovett – DT, Mississippi State

  • Former 3-star prospect (2018), played in 2 games during the 2018 season (redshirt)
  • Plans to apply for immediate eligibility
    • 3 seasons of eligibility remaining
  • During the 2019 season
    • 13 games: recorded 19 tackles, including 2.5 for loss

 

Jordan Wilson – TE, UCLA

  • Graduate transfer, immediately eligible in 2020
  • In 3 seasons with UCLA — caught 25 passes for 244 yards (9.8 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns.
  • Wilson appeared in 34 games during his career with the Bruins

 

Jarrian Jones – DB, Mississippi State

  • As a true freshman, Jones played in 11 games: the former 4-star recruit recorded 12 total tackles, 2 pass break-ups and 1 fumble recovery
  • The 6-foot-1 safety may have to sit the 2020 season out; it’s unknown if he will be immediately eligible to play at FSU

 

 

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