Florida State Lands Productive Coastal Carolina Pass-Rusher Deamontae Diggs
In a major win for Florida State’s defense, head coach Mike Norvell and his staff secured a key addition from the transfer portal on Friday night. Deamontae Diggs, a standout pass-rusher from Coastal Carolina, has committed to the Seminoles after taking an official visit to the campus. The commitment of Diggs further strengthens Florida State’s defensive line, adding a dynamic edge rusher to an already promising unit.
A Powerful Addition to the Defense
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 260 pounds, Deamontae Diggs brings a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that is essential for a top-tier pass rusher. During the 2024 season, Diggs was one of the standout players for Coastal Carolina, where he made an immediate impact. Over 13 games, Diggs recorded 34 total tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, proving himself as a relentless presence on the defensive line. Additionally, he accumulated 18 pressures and two pass deflections, further showcasing his ability to disrupt the opposing offense both in the backfield and in coverage.
His impressive statistics earned him a solid defensive grade of 62.6 from Pro Football Focus, along with a respectable 66.4 rating as a run defender. These numbers highlight Diggs’ well-rounded skill set, making him a valuable asset to any team. Despite the lack of national attention, Diggs’ performances have certainly caught the eye of Florida State, who sees him as a major building block for its defensive line in the upcoming seasons.
A Proven Pass-Rusher with Experience
Before joining Coastal Carolina, Diggs spent four seasons at Youngstown State, where he primarily played a reserve role. Despite being used sparingly during his time with the Penguins, Diggs gained valuable experience that has paid off during his time at Coastal Carolina. This progression from a rotational player to a starter with the Chanticleers is a testament to Diggs’ growth and potential, as he’s shown the ability to develop and refine his skills at the next level.
For Florida State, Diggs offers not only the ability to rush the passer but also versatility in a variety of defensive schemes. His size and athleticism make him capable of playing both outside linebacker and defensive end, giving the Seminoles options in how they choose to utilize him in their defensive rotations. With his explosive first step and physicality, Diggs has the potential to become one of the key pass rushers in the ACC.
A Game-Changer for Florida State
The addition of Deamontae Diggs is a significant one for Florida State as the program continues to rebuild its defense. While the Seminoles finished the 2024 season with an impressive 9-3 record, improving the pass rush was an area the coaching staff had identified for growth. Florida State struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks, and Diggs offers a solution to this issue. His natural ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the passing game will complement the existing talent on Florida State’s defensive line.
Florida State’s defensive line coach, along with Norvell, has a proven track record of developing pass-rushers into impactful players at the collegiate level. Diggs will be joining a unit that has shown flashes of greatness, but with his skillset and leadership, he has the potential to take it to the next level.
Building Toward a Championship-Caliber Defense
With the addition of Diggs, Florida State continues to bolster its defensive depth. The Seminoles have already added several key players from the transfer portal, including Deante McCray and James Williams, to enhance their pass rush. With these new additions, Florida State’s defensive front is shaping up to be a force in the ACC, especially with the Seminoles’ continued recruiting success under Mike Norvell’s leadership.
Diggs’ commitment also signals a continued shift toward a more aggressive defensive strategy for the Seminoles, as they aim to compete for ACC and national championships in the coming seasons. The Seminoles’ defense has the potential to be one of the most disruptive in the country, and with Diggs’ ability to make an immediate impact, Florida State’s future looks even brighter.
A Promising Future for Florida State’s Defense
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Diggs’ presence on the defensive line will be crucial for Florida State’s defensive success. His ability to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks will help the Seminoles compete against high-powered offenses in the ACC, setting the stage for Florida State to contend for championships. With a player of Diggs’ caliber joining the program, Florida State fans can look forward to an exciting and dynamic defensive unit in the years to come.
As Diggs transitions from Coastal Carolina to Florida State, he is poised to become a key contributor for the Seminoles’ defense and a pivotal piece of the program’s rise back to national prominence.
