FSU football: JUCO safety Ashlynd Barker commits to FSU

FSU football coaches helped fill a big need Tuesday afternoon when Class of 2023 JUCO safety Ashlynd Barker from Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa, announced via his Twitter account that he has committed to Florida State.

Barker originally played high school football at Northside High School in Columbus, Georgia. He is listed at 6’3 and 200 pounds.

This addition immediately fills a massive need at the safety position for the Seminoles as the talented defender will have four years to play four seasons after he redshirted at Iowa Western Community College in 2022.

Florida State has veteran safeties on its roster with collegiate experience in redshirt senior Akeem Dent and redshirt sophomore Shyheim Brown. However, more depth needed to be added at the position, with do-it-all Jammie Robinson departing to the NFL in the offseason and Sidney Williams, Travis Jay, and Omarion Cooper entering the transfer portal.

Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. had his hands full as he looked to acquire quality safeties that could give the Seminoles safety depth. While FSU football has two true freshmen in Conrad Hussey and Edwin Joseph Jr. (if the staff decides to play him at safety instead of cornerback), it could be difficult to depend upon two newcomers to have many valuable reps early in their careers.

Unfortunately, the Seminoles missed on UAB redshirt senior safety transfer Jaylen Key, who ultimately committed to Alabama. However, Barker is a lengthy safety who isn’t afraid to come downhill in run support as well as having the ability to locate the football in an effective manner.

Personally, Barker reminds me a lot of former defensive back Hamsah Nasirildeen (listed at 6’3 and 215 pounds) and current defensive back Shyheim Brown (6’2 and 205 pounds).

I believe the coaching staff will still be looking to add an experienced safety prospect (preferably a graduate transfer) to add to their rotation.