Virginia Tech hires FSU's Chris Marve as defensive coordinator; Rice declares for NFL Draft

Tallahassee Democrat

The Florida State Seminoles are in the market for a new linebackers coach.

Linebackers coach Chris Marve was hired as Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator Tuesday after two seasons with the Seminoles and coach Mike Norvell.

Marve was removed from the road as a recruiter on Sunday and replaced in the interim by Randy Shannon, an analyst who was elevated to an on-field coach in Marve's absence.

Marve will be reunited with new Hokies head coach Brent Pry, who was his position coach when Marve played at Vanderbilt.

MORE FSU COVERAGE

More:Two more Florida State football defenders enter transfer portal

More:Florida State focusing on Louisville's Vince Tyra as its new Director of Athletics

More:Sweet revenge! Florida State soccer wins third national title over BYU in penalty kicks

Marve also served as Defense Run Game Coordinator for the Seminoles. FSU's run defense ranked No. 53 nationally this past season, allowing 144.6 yards per game.

Marve came Tallahassee after one season as Mississippi State’s defensive run game coordinator and linebackers coach. Prior to that, he spent five seasons coaching at Vanderbilt, his alma mater, and coached the Commodores’ inside linebackers from 2016-18.

Linebacker Emmett Rice, meanwhile, announced on social media his intention to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. The Miami native has been plagued by injuries during his FSU career.

Additionally, two former members of the Executive Board of Directors of Seminole Boosters, Inc., announced the formation of Rising Spear, a new platform to develop Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for FSU student-athletes.

Former Board Chairman Bob Davis and former treasurer for Seminole Boosters Alan Flaumenhaft are leading the initiative.

The organization will also feature an “Athletes Advisory Council” of prominent former FSU athletes, including Derrick Brooks, Charlie Ward, Kez McKorvey, Casey Weldon (football), Nicki Ekhumo (women’s basketball), Meghan King (softball) and Jaelin Howell (soccer).

For more information on Rising Spear, visit www.risingspear.com, or call Bob Davis at 407-234-0974.

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

No one covers the ‘Noles like the Tallahassee Democrat. Subscribe using the link at the top of the page.