FSU football: Can the Noles secure a commitment from CB Ricky Knight III?

FSU football is closing in on securing one of their top defensive back prospects on their 2024 recruiting target board in four-star cornerback Ricky Knight III from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida (previously attended The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida).

Cornerback Target Board

While Florida State defensive back Patrick Surtain Sr. has not secured a commitment in the 2024 recruiting cycle, he has expanded the target at the cornerback position to give the Seminoles many options to choose from.

Those targets include five-star Charles Lester III, four-star Ricky Knight III, four-star Jamari Howard, four-star Jalewis Solomon, four-star Wardell Mack, four-star Cai Bates, four-star Jameer Grimsley, and three-star Kevin Levy.

Is Knight III a Nole?

Knight III has had a busy summer filled with official visits, which consisted of Penn State (June 2-4), Illinois (June 9-11), Florida State (June 16-18), and Miami (June 23-25).

With him having the official visit with the Hurricanes this weekend, it is vitally important that the Seminoles continue to push heavily in this recruitment since head football coach Mario Cristobal and company will get the last impression before the recruiting dead period kicks in.

FSU-Miami battle?

The talented defensive back seemed to be an FSU-Miami battle. The arch-rival Hurricanes held the crystal ball advantage early on, but the Seminoles seem to have trended in a positive direction for him.

First-ever offer

The interest seems to be mutual between the two sides, as FSU was his first-ever offer on January 15, 2023. During exit interviews with various members of the media, Knight III continuously stated that he cherished the opportunity that the university gave to him with the offer.

What about Lester III?

While it is known that five-star Charles Lester III is the Seminoles’ top defensive back target on their recruiting board, they still want Knight III in the fold. This does not mean that the coaching staff is losing out on Lester III.

Closing thoughts

The decision timeline for Knight III will likely be during the early portion of July, which lines up with some of FSU’s other high-priority targets such as five-star offensive tackle Jonathan Daniels, four-star running back Micahi Danzy, four-star wide receiver James Madison II, and four-star tight end Kylan Fox.

Just a friendly reminder to buy stock in FSU recruiting for the month of July.