UNDERRATED DEFENSIVE BACK
Florida State had an impressive 2025 recruiting class where it finished as the 18th-best in the country, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
This was an impressive feat because the Seminoles had a 2-10 record in 2024. The program had a ton to improve upon, and highly-touted prospects needed to see signs of improvement and growth, especially after Florida State finished with a 13-1 record in 2023.
Head football coach Mike Norvell knew that major changes were needed because 2-10 is not the standard at Florida State. The fan base and individuals associated with the university realize that also.
Norvell made a move that some didn't think that he was capable of: Fire assistant coaches and scrap the idea of continuity within the program if it wasn't working.
I commend him for having successful seasons in 2022 and 2023, but the 2024 campaign was something that needs to be erased from everyone's memory.
The Seminoles had to start from scratch again by acquiring pieces via the recruiting ranks and transfer portal. The new coaching staff had to put their stamp on figuring out creative ways to get them to Tallahassee.
While the transfer portal is a part of the college landscape nowadays, there is nothing like grabbing homegrown recruits from the high school ranks to develop. We previously discussed signees that could make an early impact in 2025, but let's discuss someone that many fans aren't talking about.
One that I am keeping my eye on is four-star cornerback Shamar Arnoux from Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Georgia. Arnoux was a recruit that they flipped from Auburn during the Early Signing Period.
The Georgia native was previously committed to USC in the summer of last year but then flipped to Auburn before coming to the good guys. Arnoux is an early enrollee, so the opportunities are there for the youngster, as the coaching staff did not grab a defensive back from the transfer portal.
Arnoux has been working out with a trainer named KaRonte this off-season. Follow KaRonte's Twitter (X) account by clicking here. He has seen his skill set blossom during the time of working out with him. It would be frightening to see the lanky defender versus opposing wide receivers.
He hasn't just been working out during the offseason, it looks like Arnoux also has a special talent for freestyling. It could be a wise career choice when he finishes playing the game of football.
I cannot wait to see how Arnoux continues to grow and develop under the direction of defensive coordinator Tony White as well as defensive backs coaches Patrick Surtain Sr. and Evan Cooper.