The expected 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and former Florida State Seminoles edge rusher Jared Verse showed the nation his insane speed on a play on Sunday, Jan. 19, against the Philadelphia Eagles. Next Gen Stats captured the moment — but it wasn’t the only eye-popping play he made in the game.
Former Seminoles Star Jared Verse Shows Off Insane Speed in Divisional Round
Former Florida State Seminoles star and current Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse made waves throughout the NFL against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams were on the road taking on Philadelphia in the Divisional Round of the 2024-25 NFL playoffs with a spot in the NFC Championship Game on the line.
Although the Rams fell 28-22, Verse reached a top speed of 21.60 mph while chasing down Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley. That earned him the third-fastest speed recorded by a defensive lineman or linebacker on a scrimmage play during the 2024-25 season — he also owns the fifth-fastest for chasing after Barkley on a play earlier in the season.
Jared Verse reached 21.60 mph in pursuit of Barkley, the 2nd time he's eclipsed 21 mph running down Barkley this season. Verse hit 21.48 mph on Saquon's 70-yd TD run in Week 12.
He's now responsible for the 3rd & 5th-fastest speeds by a DL or LB on a scrimmage play this season. https://t.co/v5FNFAHfIN
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 19, 2025
Perhaps more amazing was that Barkley’s top speed in the Divisional Round play was 20.78 mph — meaning Verse outpaced him by nearly 0.80 mph. He nearly caught up to Barkley as he jogged the final 10 yards to the end zone.
Add it to the list of amazing things Verse has done this season. The Rams have gotten everything they could’ve expected and more from their 19th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Verse produced at a high level with the Seminoles, tallying 18 sacks and 30 tackles for loss across two full seasons. He was a CFN All-ACC First Team selection and the CFN ACC Defensive Lineman and EDGE Defender of the Year for his efforts in 2023.
He’s continued that success in the NFL as the odds-on favorite to win the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year award with 66 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His impact goes beyond the stats, however. Verse quickly became the focal point of opposing scouting reports, consistently drawing double-teams and chip blocks — creating opportunities for others to thrive.
In 2023, the Rams ranked 24th in sacks per game; in 2024, they were fifth.
Against the Eagles, Verse made his presence felt even more than he had in the regular season. He produced a dominant performance, racking up two sacks and three tackles for loss along with five pressures, consistently finding himself in the backfield.
Although his rookie season came to a close, Verse showcased to the nation his athletic ability, tenacity, and speed — exactly why he’ll be a force in the league for a long time.
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