FSU football: 2025 blue-chip linebacker unofficially visits the Seminoles

FSU football has already made its presence felt in its 2025 recruiting class with the acquisitions of four-star wide receiver DL Hardison from Melbourne, Florida, and three-star quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. from Jacksonville, Florida.

As I alluded to in my piece about five-star wide receiver target Jaime Ffrench, there are always fans that suggest it isn’t worth worrying about the recruitment of a younger prospect until they sign the dotted line on National Signing Day. However, I am on the opposite end of the spectrum when considering that method of reasoning.

I firmly believe that it is vitally important to develop long-lasting relationships with a variety of prospects, which in turn could pay dividends to the university and create a sense of positive momentum on the recruiting trail.

On Saturday morning, that theory was put on display as four-star linebacker target Gavin Nix from IMG Academy (originally from Orlando, Florida) visited FSU.

Nix has been a linebacker prospect that the Seminoles have been monitoring for quite some time, as FSU offered the talented defender on April 2, 2022. The interest has been mutual between Florida State and Nix, as he has visited Tallahassee three times since being offered.

Linebacker recruiting has always been a topic of discussion, given the importance of the position in a defensive scheme. They can be classified as the “quarterback” of the defense. Just look at former FSU linebackers such as Paul McGowan, Sam Cowart, Ernie Sims, and Marvin Jones. They can single-handedly change the outcome of a game.

In addition to four-star Gavin Nix, the Seminoles are also involved with five stars Zayden Walker, Jadon Perlotte (Georgia commit), and four-star Ezekiel Marcelin.
FSU signed three linebacker prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle four-star Blake Nichelson, three-star DeMarco Ward, and three-star Dylan Brown-Turner. FSU football has one linebacker committed in the 2024 cycle with three-star Jayden Parrish.

The Seminoles will look to replace veteran linebackers Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune. While FSU typically utilizes two linebackers in their defensive scheme (4-2-5), it is wise to build depth at the position. After the conclusion of the 2023 season, redshirt junior DJ Lundy will look to be the potential leader of the position unit.

Can linebackers coach Randy Shannon and staff continue to bring in talent at the position?