Defensive back recruiting outlook for the Seminoles' 2025 recruiting class

Florida State defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has showcased his recruiting prowess during his tenure with the Seminoles. Fans realize that he has numerous ties to south Florida given that he has formerly the head football coach at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida.

During the 2024 recruiting cycle, Surtain Sr. was able to acquire four talented pieces for the secondary: Charles Lester III, Jamari Howard, Cai Bates, and Ricky Knight III. However, for the 2025 cycle, he has not secured a commitment yet.

With that being said, there are a couple of targets that need to be monitored going forward (in no particular order).

-4 star safety Jordan Young

-4 star safety Darrell "Duke" Johnson Jr.

-4 star safety Lagonza Hayward

-4 star safety Dallas Golden

-4 star safety Hylton Stubbs

-4 star safety JaDon Blair

-4 star cornerback Gregory Xavier Thomas

-4 star cornerback Chris McCorkle

-3 star cornerback Caden Gordon

The recruiting target will be expanded as Thomas appears to be the only prospect on the list that looks to be trending positively in Florida State's favor (with his recent crystal ball predictions to the Seminoles).

With that being said, it is only the month of March, I would not showcase panic about the Seminoles' recruiting efforts as Florida State is set to have their spring game next month and they will be hosting several prospects at their campus this summer.

As it relates to defensive back recruiting, I would expect to get at least three defensive backs this cycle. As I alluded to before, I believe that this will finally be the recruiting class that Florida State emphasizes the importances of picking up offensive and defensive lineman.

The Seminoles must reload in the trenches and develop their talent via the recruiting ranks. They have done a tremendous job acquiring that type of talent in the transfer portal. However, the portal is often reliant upon who enters.