NFL Draft Candidate Fabian Lovett's FSU Football Exit Interview

TAMPA — Fabian Lovett played a key role in Florida State's transformation from a struggling old power to a College Football Playoff contender.

The 6-foot-4, 314-pound defensive lineman transferred from Mississippi State before Mike Norvell's first season and then survived two losing seasons to become captain of last year's ACC Championship team. .

“Everybody was tired of losing,” Lovett said. “At the end of the day, if you want to do something, you can do it.”

The Tampa Bay Times spoke to Lovett, a Day 3 prospect in next week's NFL Draft, for an exit interview about his Seminoles career during a training session at Athlete Innovations in Tampa. The conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

When did you see it clicked?

The year we went 10 wins and 3 losses (2022). We knew this guy was supposed to win all three games, but it was just part of the journey and how everything was going to go. After all, we knew about what time spring would return and how we should approach everything.

Have you ever doubted at any point that a turnaround might occur, that you guys could reach your goals?

No, I never doubted it. After a 10-3 season, I thought we would be undefeated next year. Everyone said so. Everyone knew it. We knew what it would take to get there.

What did you think when you saw it? orange bowl (as one of the opt-outs in the 63-3 loss to Georgia)?

It was a bad result, but none of the players who really played all season played (in the game). It was sad to watch, but it was also sad that they didn't make it to the playoffs in the end. I felt like if all our players had played, that game would have been completely different. He probably could have actually won.

Everyone had to prepare for the next chapter of their lives. We were going to be in the playoffs. We didn't come back to play in the Orange Bowl. We came back to play in the playoffs. We didn't have a chance, so I think the players were like, “You got a slap in the face, forget about the game.''

When was the last time you got over a playoff disappointment?

I don't think I can get over it anymore. At the end of the day, I can't think of anything else. You need to focus on what you need to do now and prepare for the next chapter of your life.

I've pretty much covered you all. This was not the same (roster).

that's right. Georgia players then went into the game to prove their point. We won the conference, so we didn't have to prove anything. We were aiming to make the playoffs.

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How did Norvell compare to your expectations?

he was a good coach. He was more consistent. Many coaches are inconsistent in much of what they do. At Florida State, these coaches are consistent. They will continue to strive to help you move forward at your best.

What does it really feel like to be at this stage where the NFL is no longer a pipe dream? It's right around the corner.

I am grateful to have had this opportunity and to be able to do this kind of work. I worked hard to get to where I am now. It's really fulfilling. All my dreams begin to come true and fall into my hands. Just take it one day at a time, keep God first, keep everything on track, keep everything positive, do everything that needs to be done, and when the time comes, you'll be ready.

What is your favorite memory from Florida State University?

Won the ACC Championship.

Is it that simple?

Yes, it's simple. That was huge. It was the first time that had happened (in nine years). We went 13-0 and were also the third team to do so.

What do you think about where the program is now and where you and your peers left the program?

I feel like I left it in a great position. It depends on them coming in to keep it that way. Its NIL (name, image, likeness) looks great. But at the end of the day, if you don't win, NIL will go back to where we don't want it to be.

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