Jaylen King opens up on connection with Thomas Castellanos since getting to FSU

Former East Tennessee State quarterback Jaylen King transferred to Florida State in April to back-up former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos this season. Castellanos, who threw for 1,366 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, transferred to FSU in December.

Although King is heading into the season as Castellanos’ back-up, he had nothing but grace for the Waycross, GA native at a media opportunity this week.

“Great leader and a great guy,” King responded when asked about Castellanos. “Great work ethic. He comes in everyday and leads the guys. He’ll talk at the practice and talk before.”

Castellanos led Boston College to a 4-4 record last season before he was benched and eventually departed from the program. He’ll take over the reigns at quarterback for a Florida State program that finished with a 2-10 record a season removed from a 13-1 campaign.

“I had probably seen [Castellanos] play a couple of times in high school,” King continued. “We know the same area. We do the same type of things because we’re country boys you know.”

King is grateful for opportunity at Florida State

King played his high school football at Charlton County (Folkston, GA), 40 minutes away from where Castellanos played at Ware County (Waycross, GA). He was the No. 161 ranked quarterback in the country in his class, while Castellanos was the No. 63 ranked quarterback.

“Oh, it’s been great,” King said about being at Florida State. “This is the what everybody dreams of, especially where I come from, it’s been great. You got all the resources here, everything that you need, so there’s no more complaining about what you don’t have. So you really have no excuse. The guys who brought me in, I’m still learning names, still getting to know guys, but it’s a great place to be.”

The newest Seminole back-up played two seasons at two different programs before transferring to FSU. His career began at Gardner-Webb, where he passed for 1,223 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2023. He then took over the reigns at East Tennessee State last season, throwing for 1,536 yards, nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His career numbers aren’t great, but the back-up role may be great for a young arm still improving his game.

The Seminoles open the 2025 season against Alabama on August 30. They will certainly be depending on Castellanos for better quarterback play this season, as they finished 2024 ranked 116th nationally in passing offense.