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FSU's Desir twins are motivating each other to elevate their play
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- FSU's Desir twins are motivating each other to elevate their play
Two of the biggest additions to Florida State 's roster in 2025 were defensive linemen Mandrell and Darryll Desir, who are twin brothers. Although the Seminoles struggled, they found success last season.
Mandrell ended up with 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks (led team), one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. This led to All-ACC Honorable Mention honors and a runner-up nod for ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Darryll produced 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.
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That was last season, and FSU is looking to make a bowl game for the first time in three seasons. In order to do so, the Desir twins need to take their play to the next level. According to defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, they've been pushing each other extremely hard during the offseason.
"They're harder on each other than anybody else," Knighton told Noles247 . "So if they're ever tired, they're using words I can't say right now. They're cussing each other out. They're after each other. And they've had that expectation, that drive, that push since they were toddlers. So, it's a bother thing, and when those two get going, they start yelling at each other, and they go to blows, everybody moves out the way and just lets them do what they do."
Knighton also mentioned that sometimes Mandrell and Darryll have to be separated from the team at practice because they get at it so much, and the latter says the back and forth starts as soon as they get up in the morning. The former says it can go either way in terms of the seriousness of it.
"Sometimes it's trolling or serious," Mandrell said about himself and Darryll. "Just having fun playing the game."
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Knighton has done something very key for Mandrell and Darryll as they prepare for their sophomore years. He continuously coaches them hard and points out their errors. Also, he reminds them that last season wasn't good enough, and he pushes them to be better every single day.
It's a challenge that the brothers have taken head-on.
"With constructive criticism, you're not always at your best," Darryll said. "You're always trying to find the potential. You'll never reach it, but you're always climbing higher and higher, so it's almost as if you have unlimited potential."
Mandrell and Darryll are vital to the success of Florida State's defense and the team overall this season. They'll both have plenty of eyes on them starting this Saturday in FSU's season opener.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU's Desir twins are motivating each other to elevate their play
