Rylan Kennedy came to Florida State for the opportunity to play far more. A year ago at Texas A&M, he earned 176 snaps.

Kennedy is the biggest transfer portal addition on the defensive front. While known as a speed rusher off the edge, FSU’s coaches are moving Kennedy around to feature his athleticism and skill set.

“They want to make a way where I'm position less and wherever the weakest tackle is I go to his side. You want me at linebacker, rush up the middle. Do that. Cover? All of that,” Kennedy said after FSU’s fourth spring practice on Tuesday. “It's really not a difference (compared to Texas A&M). Only difference is just more free and moving around.”

Kennedy played 13 games at Texas A&M, recording 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in limited playing time. He also had 14 pressures, per Pro Football Focus, which no doubt was appealing to FSU’s staff given his snap count.

But now Kennedy is taking on a featured role in FSU’s defense, one where he will need to put pressure on the passer but also set the edge against the run.

With that goal in mind, Kennedy has continued to add weight. He arrived at Texas A&M as a three-star prospect in the class of 2023, a basketball prospect who focused on football late in high school. Kennedy said he weighed in at just 195 pounds three years ago when he landed in College Station, yet he arrived at FSU at 240 pounds.

Now up to 248 pounds, the 6-foot-3 Kennedy would like to be 255 before the fall — keeping his speed but also being physical enough to set the edge and defend the run.

“I put on some weight. and I feel like it's really helped me develop, proved I could play the run,” Kennedy said. “Obviously, we haven't played a game yet. I definitely feel like my run game, because that's what I want to focus on.

“I love pass rushing, too, I can work on that. And I feel like my hands got a little better, too. But definitely the run, setting that edge and letting people know I can play both ways.”

FSU’s coaches were able to retain Mandrell Desir, Darryll Desir and Daniel Lyons to anchor the front. But there was a definite need for pass-rush help, with the Seminoles landing Kennedy, junior-college standout Jalen Anderson and a large group of freshmen in December.

The Seminoles won’t get a look at Texas State transfer Jordan Sanders or freshman Cam Brooks this spring. Both were injured in the winter. But the coaches have seen the physical development and versatility from Kennedy.

“He's done a really good job physically, (seeing) his continued physical development,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said after the first week of spring practices. “You watched on film, you felt his explosiveness. That absolutely shows up. He's a guy that is going to be an impact for us. He has a lot of versatility of where he can align, different things he can do. We're expecting big things from him.

“His confidence is definitely riding high with the work that he put in in the offseason program.”

Kennedy said he’s learning from new pass rush specialist Nick Williams as well as line coach Terrance Knighton. When asked about Williams, Kennedy smiled.

“Coach Nick comes out with cleats on? I don't know what coach I've seen come out with cleats,” Kennedy said. “He's competing. And he's fast, too. He played at Georgia, so I love when he helps us compete. I definitely like the energy Nick gives because that builds this whole other team as an edge group.”

Thanks for reading the Osceola. Subscribe now for 40 percent off to enjoy a full year of coverage of FSU athletics. You’ll also earn a $15 gift card at the Osceola’s merch store.