The Undrafted Underdogs: Florida State's NFL Journey Begins
Every year, the NFL Draft shines a spotlight on the top college talents, but what about those who don’t hear their names called? Personally, I think the undrafted free agent (UDFA) route is where the real stories begin—stories of resilience, adaptability, and sheer determination. Florida State’s recent UDFAs, Squirrel White, Jacob Rizy, and Jerry Wilson, are prime examples of this. Their journeys to the NFL aren’t just about stats or highlights; they’re about proving that opportunity often comes to those who refuse to be overlooked.
Squirrel White: The Versatile Playmaker
What makes Squirrel White particularly fascinating is his versatility. At 5-foot-10 and 178 pounds, he’s not the biggest receiver, but his speed and agility have always been his calling cards. His time at Tennessee, where he racked up 1,665 receiving yards and six touchdowns, showcased his ability to be a reliable target. But what many people don’t realize is that his role at Florida State was more about adaptability. With just five receptions in 10 games, he wasn’t a focal point of the offense, yet he still found ways to contribute—whether on punt returns or as a gadget player.
The Chicago Bears signing him as a UDFA is a smart move, in my opinion. In today’s NFL, where offenses are becoming increasingly positionless, a player like White can thrive. If you take a step back and think about it, his skill set aligns perfectly with the modern game. He’s not just a receiver; he’s a playmaker who can line up anywhere and create mismatches. This raises a deeper question: Are teams finally starting to value versatility over specialization?
Jacob Rizy: The Ivy League Lineman
Jacob Rizy’s story is one of those that makes you pause and appreciate the grind. A Harvard graduate who transferred to Florida State, Rizy is the epitome of brains and brawn. What this really suggests is that the NFL is becoming more inclusive of players from non-traditional football powerhouses. Rizy’s 9.88 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is elite for an offensive lineman, and his ability to play multiple positions—guard, center, and tackle—makes him a coach’s dream.
The New England Patriots signing him with a $5,000 bonus isn’t just a gesture; it’s a statement. From my perspective, the Patriots are betting on his intelligence and adaptability as much as his physical tools. A detail that I find especially interesting is his academic background. Harvard isn’t exactly known for producing NFL linemen, but Rizy’s success challenges the notion that football and academics are mutually exclusive. This could be the start of a trend where Ivy League athletes are taken more seriously in professional sports.
Jerry Wilson: The Journeyman Cornerback
Jerry Wilson’s path to the NFL is a testament to perseverance. Starting at Syracuse, transferring to Houston, and then finishing at Florida State, Wilson has been a college football nomad. But what stands out to me is his ability to perform at every stop. His senior season at FSU, where he recorded three interceptions and 42 tackles, proved he could be a lockdown corner in the right system.
The Los Angeles Chargers signing him as a UDFA is a no-brainer. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, teams can never have enough quality defensive backs. One thing that immediately stands out is his ball-hawking skills. With eight career interceptions across three schools, Wilson has a knack for making game-changing plays. What many people don’t realize is that UDFAs like Wilson often have a chip on their shoulder—they’ve been counted out before, and they’re hungry to prove everyone wrong.
The Broader Implications
These three players represent a larger trend in college football and the NFL. The transfer portal has created a new breed of players—journeymen who bring experience from multiple programs. Personally, I think this is changing the way teams evaluate talent. It’s no longer just about what you did at one school; it’s about how you adapted and performed across different systems.
Another point to consider is the role of UDFAs in the modern NFL. With the salary cap and roster constraints, teams are increasingly relying on undrafted players to fill key roles. If you take a step back and think about it, this democratizes the league in a way. It’s not just about who gets drafted; it’s about who seizes the opportunity afterward.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on White, Rizy, and Wilson, I’m reminded that the NFL is as much about stories as it is about stats. These players didn’t take the easy path, but they’re here now, ready to write the next chapter. In my opinion, their journeys are a reminder that success in football—or any field—isn’t linear. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to keep fighting when no one’s watching.
What this really suggests is that the undrafted route isn’t a consolation prize; it’s a new beginning. And for Florida State’s UDFAs, that beginning looks incredibly promising.
