This transfer does more than fill a pivotal need for the 'Noles, but brings some playoff experience over to Tallahassee. But he shared a unique reason why FSU became home.
Florida State dove straight into hunting down talent the moment the NCAA Transfer Portal opened up.
The Seminoles made sure to emphasize the trenches -- particularly the area that saw seven roster exits: The defensive line.
Rylan Kennedy is one incoming Seminole, who chose FSU back on Jan. 6. He goes from Texas A&M to Tallahassee, playing in the College Football Playoffs for the former.
Yet why did the now ex-Aggies defender believe FSU was home? He revealed some unique reasons why he shut his portal recruitment down with Warchant on On3/Rivals.
Past Connection Leads to Decision
Kennedy nearly played for Terry Price at College Station when he chose Texas A&M. Price, however, lost his life to cancer before Kennedy played his first snap inside Kyle Field in 2023.
But he recalled a young analyst named Nick Williams on the same Aggies staff.
"Nick was like his right-hand man,” Kennedy said to Matt LaSerre of On3/Rivals. “It just gave me like a true trust of how he coaches things and how he lets players know the real. … Knowing who I can trust.”
Williams happens to now be the edge rusher coach under Mike Norvell at Florida State. The young edge coach sold Kennedy about FSU over the phone then on his visit.
"It was already close when I got on the phone, just off the experiences...who he coaches with and how he knows everybody from the A&M side and just knowing my guys. Knowing my other homeboys that he coached. It was just that bond that kicked in when we met in person," Kennedy said.
Kennedy Denies NIL was Involved in Decision
Money or an enticing NIL deal wasn't part of Williams' sales pitch, Kennedy claims.
His agent Ace Thomas told On3/Rivals said "we put his needs above ours" when it came to finding a future school.
Kennedy became more intrigued by the development aspect that came with choosing FSU.
"All these schools offering this, offering that...but with FSU and Coach Nick being on my side and just him telling me what he’ll do for me and development, I knew FSU was going to be the place," he said.
He concluded with: "I trust FSU, and I’m just ready to play. My decision was based on development. And I know every school can develop, but it’s just that trust in the long run."
Kennedy Likely to Lead Amid Big Change
FSU looks like it'll need to lean into Kennedy for leadership and showing an example. More so involving a big change on the roster Wednesday.
Florida State lost the Desir twins Mandrell and Darryll to the portal. Multiple reports reveal the freshmen brothers couldn't come to an agreement financially with the contract they signed in committing to the 'Noles.
Kennedy enters a defensive line unit that nearly lost 10 different players. But his deep playing experience and choosing the developmental route will come in handy starting in the spring.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our NOLES ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected