FSU football: 3-star safety CJ Heard de-commits from Noles

FSU football lost one of its long-standing commitments from the 2024 recruiting cycle Sunday afternoon.

Three-star safety CJ Heard announced his de-commitment via social media. CJ Heard committed to the Noles in July 2022, trolling the rival Florida Gators during his commitment video.

Heard grew up an FSU fan, but his de-commitment didn’t surprise those who follow recruiting closely. It was a mutual parting of ways between the two parties.

Heard was the first defensive back commitment in the 2024 recruiting cycle for FSU.

However, the Noles have since added arguably the best collection of defensive back talent nationally with the additions of KJ Bolden, Charles Lester III, Rickey Knight, and Jamari Howard.

FSU is in the mix for at least one more defensive back, so it was beginning to become a crowded unit on top of several defensive backs FSU signed in the 2023 recruiting cycle.

Heard is the No. 532 player and No. 56 safety nationally. He is from from Atlanta, Georgia.

The de-commitment puts the Noles at 22 commitments in the 2024 recruiting cycle, with about 3-4 big-time targets remaining in the high school ranks. FSU will likely use a few spots for immediate impact transfers at a few positions as well.

It’s hurts to see Heard de-commitment because he is a solid player and grew up an FSU fan, but it’s the price of recruiting at an elite level. He has over 50 offers and will land somewhere he can contribute. There was rumors at one time of possibly converting him into a linebacker since he’s 6’0″ and 200 pounds and plays with physicality.

FSU remains in the No. 3 spot nationally with the de-commitment. Could we see FSU add a new addition in the next couple of weeks? I wouldn’t doubt it, so stay tuned to Chop Chat for the latest.