West Virginia Transfer DE Tomiwa Durojaiye Discusses Why He Chose FSU Football
Florida State has had remarkable success in the transfer portal, specifically at the defensive end position. With players like first-rounder Jermaine Johnson II and projected first-rounder Jared Verse transferring in and becoming instant stars, the coaching staff's ability to develop talent and provide a clear path to success in the NFL is evident, making FSU an attractive destination for ambitious players.
According to 247Sports, the Seminoles currently have the No. 4 recruiting class, and among #Tribe24 is West Virginia transfer defensive end Tomiwa Durojaiye. Durojaiye is coming off of a breakout season in 2023, where he amassed 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Mountaineers. He currently has three years of eligibility remaining.
"I knew coming here, I could become a first-rounder," Durojaiye said in an interview with the media on Thursday.
Two major factors in his decision to transfer were long-tenured defensive line coach Odell Haggins and defensive ends coach John Papuchis, who both have produced first-round picks in the NFL.
"The biggest thing that stood out to me was, like with coach Haggins, 95 percent of the D-linemen that come through Florida State: he's touched, he's developed, and a lot of those guys in the league - I know their names; I know what they do, and he played a big part in developing them," Durojaiye said. "Coach JP is unbelievable. What he's done with Jermaine and Jared Verse the past few years, and even a guy like Pat (Payton) who's come here, those three guys - seeing what coach JP did with the three of them, I feel like he can turn me into a beast on the field."
In high school, the 6'4'', 278-pound Deleware native was named Class 3A Defensive Player of the Year and, along with a State Championship, was named first-team All-District. Florida State has been on a meteoric rise, and Durojaiye said he wanted to be a part of that.
"I also want to win a National Championship. I won a State Championship in high school, and I want to win a National Championship in college. And I feel like Florida State is a place I can do that at."
In addition to the rest of the coaching staff, head coach Mike Norvell played a major role in his recruitment. He said that the biggest thing that stood out to him was how Norvell cared more about the people playing for him than just football players.
"The biggest thing that stood out to me about coach Norvell was he cares about us more than just football players," Durojaiye said. "He doesn't do this just to coach football; he does this because he wants to impact lives."
Durojaiye's full interview can be seen below.
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