FSU football freshman DL keeps earning national attention following standout season

Desir Makes his Mark as a True Freshman

While the Seminoles struggled to find a week-to-week identity, the steady climb of Mandrell Desir, his motor, versatility, and production, is earning national praise, and outlets across the country have started to take notice.

"Mandrell Desir was the most disruptive true freshman defensive lineman in college football this fall, leading all first-year interior defenders with 24 pressures and five sacks, according to Pro Football Focus," Charles Power of On3 Sports wrote.

"The 6-foot-4, 262-pound Miami Norland product showed the versatility to line up across multiple spots on the defensive front, consistently generating disruption in the backfield with his initial quickness and motor."

Desir's Impact as a Freshman

Desir appeared in all 12 games, starting twice, and finished with 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. His 6.5 sacks ranked ninth in the ACC and led all freshmen nationally, while also placing third among true freshmen across the country. The total is the third-highest for a true freshman in Florida State football history.

He became instrumental in salvaging a defensive season that left a lot on the table. He was the only true freshman to earn All-ACC honors this season. Desir has a high upside, and an impactful freshman season will only fuel the Norland product's trajectory under new defensive ends coach Nick Williams.

With another offseason under his belt, offensive coordinators and national media will be taking notice as he continues to develop.