2022 saw Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles have their best season in the last 5 years. A bulk of the success from the 2022 season came from the transfer portal. Transfers such as Jamie Robinson, Johnny Wilson , and Trey Benson amongst others helped bridge the gap in recruiting, or lack there of. The level at which Mike Norvell attacks the transfer portal, combined with the right collection of blue-chip, top level talent consistently, could propel the Seminoles back to national prominence. Norvell could be a pioneer for the future of recruiting in college football or an example of what not to do in terms of talent acquisition in the sport, either way, 2023 will be the most important year in recent history for FSU not only on the field, but also on the recruiting trail. Blue-chip talent is key in order to have success. Three stars won't be able to bolster the bulk of the roster and expect to win. The recruitment of highly rated 4 and 5 stars players that can step onto a college campus and become an impact in year 1 is a priority. The five players that will be highlighted in this article have the ability to be a day 1 contributor at the power 5 level.
1. Charles Lester lll, CB (5 STARS)
Lester is a long, rangy corner listed at 6-1, with elite level athleticism and ball skills. It seems as if this is a layup for the Noles. Lester has openly expressed his interest in being a Nole and even hinted at committing to them after a visit earlier in the spring. He’s a legit 5 star guy and most crystal balls have him becoming a Nole come signing day . FSU hasn’t had many elite corners with the range and skill set that Lester possesses, specifically since Jalen Ramsey. With that being said this would be an enormous get for the Noles. Also, this commitment would be just what the doctor ordered for Patrick Surtain and pose as a kick start to the defensive backfield that Surtain envisions for the future.
2. KJ Bolden, FS (5 STARS)
KJ Bolden is a 6-1 185lb weapon at safety . He runs a 10.76 in the 100 meter , has elite ball skills and is someone I believe to be the best athlete in the country, dominating both as a safety and at wide receiver, he can become a power 5 starter at either position. He is currently a Georgia lean but with multiple unofficial visits during the spring and summer he has talked about taking an official visit on Nov 11 for the Miami game - the ingredients are definitely there for the Noles to surge in his recruitment similar to former 5 star receiver Hykeem Williams from the 2023 class. He’s also on numerous occasions mentioned the Noles as his dream school, for what that’s worth if anything. Even though UGA is the clear cut front runner , keep an eye on the Noles making a late push as we near signing day.
3. Joshisa (JoJo)Trader, WR (5 STARS)
Explosive speed, elite route runner, with great body control, and the ability to turn a 5 yard hitch into a 70 yard touchdown. All of that comes natural to this kid, the kid just enjoys playing the position. Everything just seems to flow freely with him, from his release to the way he gets in and out of his breaks , there’s no wasted movement or no overthinking of how to beat a defender. Joshisa is one of my favorite recruits in the 2024 class and personally I think he is the second best receiver in the country behind teammate Jeremiah Smith. Mike Norvell’s offense is built for playmakers and there’s no bigger playmaker in the country than JoJo Trader. Many believe this recruitment could come down to the wire between the rivals, FSU and Miami. Even though Miami is the home team for him, his relationship with Ron Dugans and the FSU staff , as well as offensive fit and success on the field will play a big role in this recruitment.
JoJo Trader
4. Jonathan Daniels, IOL (4 STARS)
The trenches is the starting point for building any successful team, you can never get enough linemen, the more the merrier. So far Florida State has zero offensive lineman committed in their 2024 class and have missed out on a few big-name targets thus far. Looking at Daniels, he is your prototypical Left tackle at 6-3 280lb , 11inch massive arms ,with quick feet and plays with a low pad level , he is a difficult human to move and even more difficult human to shed. There’s no surprise that FSU is in the lead with this recruitment seeing how impressive Alex Atkins has been on the trail for the past 2 years so there is no cause for concern here. With Daniels commitment he could be the anchor in the trenches for a class that’s lacks depth in big men on either side of the ball.
5. LJ McCray, DL (4 STARS)
Once again, building any successful team starts in the trenches. At 6-6 260lb , LJ McCray is a large human being. He hasn’t reached his physical peak yet but with his frame college coaches are salivating over him and what he can become physically. This kid can excel at a 3–4 defensive end or at defensive tackle in 4-3. He is physically gifted and versatile enough to play both.He moves well for his size as he is a former tight end and it shows in the way he carries his weight . He has raw strength and will only get stronger on the next level. With his 79 inch wingspan he gets into the body of offensive lineman quickly which makes up for his lack of a quick first. The Seminoles are slated to lose 3 starters to the NFL from the defensive line in Jared Verse , Fabian Lovett, and Braden Fiske. McCray could add much needed depth to a line that will need it.
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