Coastal Carolina Transfer EDGE Deamontae Diggs Commits to Florida State, Snubs Tennessee, Alabama, and Ole Miss
Florida State has secured a major addition to its defensive line with the commitment of Deamontae Diggs, a standout EDGE rusher from Coastal Carolina. Diggs, who was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, chose the Seminoles over offers from powerhouse programs such as Tennessee, Alabama, and Ole Miss. His decision is a significant boost to Florida State’s already rising program under head coach Mike Norvell.
Deamontae Diggs established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the Sun Belt Conference during his time at Coastal Carolina. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound EDGE rusher terrorized opposing quarterbacks, recording 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in the 2023 season. His blend of speed, power, and relentless motor made him a nightmare for offensive lines and a must-have for any program looking to bolster its pass rush.
Diggs entered the transfer portal in early December and quickly became one of the most sought-after players in the nation. With multiple SEC programs in hot pursuit, his recruitment became a heated battle. Ultimately, Florida State’s vision, culture, and recent success swayed Diggs to bring his talents to Tallahassee.
Diggs’ decision to join the Seminoles was influenced by several key factors:
- Opportunity for Impact
Florida State’s defensive line has been one of the program’s strengths in recent years, but the departure of key players to the NFL has created opportunities for new stars to emerge. Diggs is expected to make an immediate impact and fill a significant role in the rotation. - Player Development
Under head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, Florida State has developed a reputation for maximizing the potential of its players. Diggs was drawn to the Seminoles’ proven track record of producing NFL-ready talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. - Program Momentum
Florida State is on the rise, coming off a strong season and building a top-tier recruiting class. Diggs cited the program’s upward trajectory and the opportunity to compete for championships as major reasons for his commitment. - Connection with Coaches
Diggs reportedly built a strong rapport with Florida State’s coaching staff during his recruitment. Their genuine interest in his development as both a player and a person resonated deeply, setting the Seminoles apart from other programs.
In choosing Florida State, Diggs rejected offers from some of the most prestigious programs in college football, including Tennessee, Alabama, and Ole Miss.
- Tennessee: The Volunteers, coming off a resurgent season under Josh Heupel, made a strong push for Diggs, pitching their high-energy defense and SEC platform.
- Alabama: Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide rarely lose battles for elite defensive talent, but Diggs opted to break the mold, citing his belief in Florida State’s coaching and system.
- Ole Miss: Known for their aggressive recruitment of transfer talent, the Rebels also fell short in their pursuit of Diggs despite offering a prominent role in their defense.
Diggs’ decision to leave the SEC in favor of Florida State underscores the growing appeal of the Seminoles as a national destination for elite players.
Deamontae Diggs is a game-changing addition to Florida State’s defense. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his pass-rushing skills, combined with his versatility to defend the run, makes him a perfect fit for the Seminoles’ aggressive defensive scheme.
Diggs will likely line up as an EDGE rusher in Florida State’s front, where his explosiveness off the line and advanced technique will add another layer to the team’s already potent pass rush. His presence also elevates the competition within the defensive unit, pushing his teammates to perform at their best.
Florida State’s success in landing Diggs is a testament to the program’s resurgence under Norvell. It highlights the Seminoles’ ability to compete with and beat out SEC heavyweights for top talent, signaling their readiness to rejoin the elite ranks of college football.
The addition of Diggs further solidifies Florida State as a contender in the ACC and beyond. With a strong recruiting class and key transfers like Diggs, the Seminoles are building a roster capable of competing for conference championships and potentially making a push for the College Football Playoff.
As Diggs prepares to suit up in garnet and gold, expectations are high for his impact on the field. Fans in Tallahassee are buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the havoc he will wreak on opposing offenses.
For Florida State, this commitment is more than just an upgrade to the defensive line—it’s a statement. The Seminoles are back, and with players like Deamontae Diggs leading the charge, they’re ready to reclaim their spot among college football’s elite.