FSU football: Blue-chip DB target Cai Bates de-commits from LSU

FSU football had over 100 talented recruits on campus for the Miami game Saturday night. Those players saw the Noles defeat Miami for the third consecutive year and one of the most electric atmospheres in college football.

One of those players was 2024 defensive back target Cai Bates. The blue-chip player from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida, has been a target for the Noles for a while. FSU first offered in February 2023 and got Bates on campus in March.

Bates took his official visit with FSU on the second weekend in June after officially visiting Alabama the week before.

He took official visits to Tennessee and LSU, and ultimately committed to LSU in July.

However, Bates backed off his LSU commitment Monday evening, just two days after visiting FSU for the Miami game. FSU only has a few select spot remaining in its 2024 recruiting class, and Bates is someone they’d take. He’s ranks as the No. 98 player overall and No. 9 cornerback in the nation.

He’d also be another Florida player to remain in-state if he chose to enroll at FSU. He lists at 6’1.5″ and 180 pounds. Bates fits the profile FSU looks for in defensive backs, guys with great ball skills and length.

FSU got a commitment from another top defensive back one day before the Miami game in Jamari Howard. They already arguably have the best secondary class nationally. It’ll be interesting to see what happens over the next month.

I could see FSU looking to get Bates back in Tallahassee in December when others like KJ Bolden and Jeremiah Smith plan to take official visits.

Those guys were on campus for the Miami game as well. I’m not saying it’s a lock for FSU to get Bates, but if so, Patrick Surtain has to be in the mix for Recruiter of the Year. Bates has one more official visit he could take somewhere. Stay tuned for more FSU football recruiting news and coverage.