These assistant coaches are doing their best to make FSU's recruiting class special

These assistant coaches are the real deal for the Seminoles.
FSU football players walk into the first spring practice of the spring season on Wednesday, March 19, 2025
FSU football players walk into the first spring practice of the spring season on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

RECRUITING OUTLOOK

Florida State football is ranked outside the top-25 with its 2026 class, after securing the likes of four-star defensive lineman James "Tank" Carrington. It was a solid get for the Seminoles, but the fan base is still hesitant about the program's ability to recruit high school talent.

After the disappointment of the 2-10 season in 2024, I get why individuals are skeptical. The Seminoles saw its transfers fail at the highest level, and they didn't have developed high school talent for depth to save the day. their

It is an issue that some worry about when it comes to the tenure of head football coach Mike Norvell at Florida State. With that said, he had to make some major changes this offseason to get the program headed in the right direction.

SUPERSTAR RECRUITERS ON STAFF

One move that I thought was beneficial for the Seminoles was adding safeties coach Evan Cooper. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. was in charge of manning the secondary last year, which he did a solid job in doing.

However, it helps to add Cooper in guiding a young group that is expected to take the next step in their development. The new assistant also helps Coach Surtain with acquiring high school talent at the position group.

Surtain is already one of the best recruiters on staff, where he has commitments in place with four-star Darryl "Tre" Bell III, four-star Tedarius Hughes, and three-star Sean Johnson.

However, he and Cooper have not stopped there as they are heavily involved with targets such as five-star Chauncey Kennon, four-star Samari Matthews, four-star Preston Ashley, four-star CJ Bronaugh (Nebraska commit), four-star Lasiah Jackson, four-star Tyriq Green, and four-star Jamarrion Gordon.

The Seminoles' fan base has to feel good that Coach Surtain and Cooper are around.