Defensive Ends Marvin Jones, Jr. and Sione Lolohea Discuss Why They Chose FSU Football

Florida State is introducing the incoming class of #Tribe24 throughout the beginning of the year following a big haul of talented blue-chip prospects, and top tier transfers. They currently have the No. 10 ranked high school recruiting class and the No. 4 ranked transfer class according to 247Sports. 

Georgia defensive end transfer Marvin Jones, Jr. and Oregon State transfer Sione Lolohea met with the media on Wednesday to discuss why they chose Florida State over other programs and what stood out to them.

Jones, a legacy commit, was heavily recruited by FSU in high school but chose Georgia over the 'Noles in the end. When he decided to transfer, Jones said that the relationships he built during his initial recruitment made it easier to make the decision. 

"I know what kind of guy, you know, coach (Mike) Norvell is. I know what kind of guy (coach) JP was, coach (Adam) Fuller," Jones said. "So definitely, having such a strong relationship with them in high school helped me make this decision a lot easier."

Florida State is coming off a 13-1 season and ACC Championship and has a record of developing defensive ends. The recent success of Norvell and the Seminoles in putting players like New York Jets DE Jermaine Johnson II and projected first-rounder Jared Verse in the NFL helped Jones' decision.  

"He (Norvell) definitely made it clear that he was going to come in here and make a change. You guys see him by the record obviously you know that definitely helped," Jones continued. "And then just seeing the production from guys on the edge, you know, Pat, Jared, Jermaine, definitely made it a lot easier for me to pick Florida State the second time around."

For both players, development seemed to play a major factor. Lolohea who has a previous relationship with FSU General Manager Darrick Yray said that Florida State was the best path he saw on the way to the next level.

"It really is the development part that I was looking for," Lolohea said.  "I was looking for a place that's going to develop me on the way to the next level on and off the field. So I think Florida State was the best fit for me."

There were other programs after the 6-foot-3, 266-pound Tonga native. Schools like USC, Texas A&M, and Michigan State were all trying to contact him. Lolohei said it was down to FSU and USC. Some of it was a timing issue but the track record of defensive ends coach John Papuchis spoke for itself. 

"When I took my visit, coach JP talked to me, and then he shared with me a lot of what he has done for them boys. He really developed them. They came here, two, one year transfers, and he really turned them into first-round picks. So I think that's a big part for me, the reason I came here, is the development."