Florida State Football: 3 Second-Year Players Poised for Stardom in 2023
Through his first two seasons, Mike Norvell struggled to gain the respect of Florida State football supporters. Nevertheless, an incredible 2022 season helped him win their trust and understanding.
The Seminoles competed with Clemson for conference supremacy and finished the year 10-3. They already appear to be favorites to win the ACC the following year.
The Seminoles will return sooner rather than later if these three second-year players become stars.
#3. Julian Armella, Offensive Tackle
Julian Armella, who is entering his second season, should play a bigger part on the offensive line. The redshirt freshman projected on the early two-deep depth charts, and this season, it wouldn't surprise me if he beat out another candidate for a starting position at tackle.
Armella was the eighth-best offensive tackle in the country according to the 247Sports composite, and he was the third-highest recruit in Florida State's 2022 class at No. 152 overall. He was also the 18th-best recruit in Florida.
He is ideal for a right tackle position in his second season at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, and towards the conclusion of his career, he might develop into a left tackle.
#2. Daniel Lyons, Defensive Lineman
Despite participating in just four games his first season, Daniel Lyons was still able to save his redshirt. Despite having only four total tackles for the year, he showed promise. Given the openings in the trenches this season, he should get plenty of playing time despite his obviously greater potential.
Edmond Gilber, Darrell Jackson Jr., and Braden Fiske did transfer in, but Lyons has the potential to be a force on the interior of the defensive line going forward. He has tremendous potential, and it's hard to believe he was only a three-star prospect.
In Florida State's 2022 recruiting class, Lyons was the top-rated defensive lineman, coming in at No. 464 overall and regarded as the 61st-best defensive lineman. He has the ability to outperform his recruiting ranking in 2023 at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds.
#1. Azareye'h Thomas, Cornerback
Jonathan Mingo and Malik Heath, two of Ole Miss' top receivers from 2022, are both moving on, so other players will have to step up. Why not count on Ole Miss' top recruit in the 2022 class at receiver?
The top two receivers, Jordan Watkins and Dayton Wade, are both back. Jeremiah Dillon may emerge as a contender to serve as Jaxson Dart's third option in the pass game.
Dillon, a four-star recruit in the 2022 class, came in at No. 311 overall and as the composite's 47th-best wideout. He appears to be the type of receiver who might improve the offense with his quickness and great hands at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds.
