![Vanguard Head Football Coach Edwin Farmer, left, talks with Florida State Defensive Back Coach Patrick Surtain, right, Wednesday. The Vanguard Knights held a Spring football practice at Booster Stadium Wednesday afternoon, May 24, 2023 in Ocala, FL. The Knights played Manatee High School in their Spring football matchup. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_741,y_51,w_785,h_441/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/270/01jx5nn5tg9fw19h82e4.jpg "Vanguard Head Football Coach Edwin Farmer, left, talks with Florida State Defensive Back Coach Patrick Surtain, right, Wednesday. The Vanguard Knights held a Spring football practice at Booster Stadium Wednesday afternoon, May 24, 2023 in Ocala, FL. The Knights played Manatee High School in their Spring football matchup. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star Banner]2023")
Florida State football is hosting several highly-touted prospects in the 2026 cycle this summer. The coaching staff has a challenge in front of them to ensure that the roster has capable pieces to ensure sustainable success as a program.
We at ChopChat decided to conduct a Q&A with Class of 2026 four-star defensive back target Preston Ashley from Brandon, Mississippi, who will be officially visiting the Seminoles during the weekend of the Alabama season opener on August 30th.
Q: You are getting prepared to make your college decision in September, but before you do, you will be visiting Florida State when they take on Alabama in the season opener. What are you looking forward to when you take the trip?
A: "Seeing if Florida State is my fit, and if I can see myself there for my years in college."
Q: I know that defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has been recruiting you heavily. What has your relationship been like with him?
A: "That's my dawg, we talk a lot. We are really close. I can ask him anything about my position, and he always gives me great feedback. Our relationship is strong."
Q: I know that you will be deciding between Florida State, Florida, and Colorado in a few months. What will go into your decision-making process when you pick the school of your choice?
A: "Seeing where I can best fit overall."
I hope that the strategy pays off by having Ashley come in for an official visit when the Seminoles have Alabama come into town with being double-digit underdogs. It does help that his last visit is to Florida State before making a decision. Nonetheless, I want to thank the talented young man for taking the time out of his day to answer our questions.
Be sure to follow his Twitter (X) account by clicking here!