FSU Football Competing with SEC Schools for Blue-Chip Linebacker
The Florida State Seminoles are actively involved in several high-profile recruiting battles as summer approaches in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles have revamped their linebacker corps this offseason, adding multiple transfers and true freshmen to the unit. With Ernie Sims now serving as linebackers coach, there’s growing excitement about the potential of Florida State’s defensive middle. Sims has a strong foundation of talent and continues to pursue top-tier players to strengthen the room.
Frederrick Ford Sets Summer Official Visit Schedule
Four-star linebacker and rising senior Frederrick Ford recently announced his summer official visits. His trip to Florida State is scheduled between visits to SEC programs Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and LSU.
Since the start of the year, Ford’s recruitment has accelerated, earning numerous offers from Power 5 and FBS programs. Florida State joined the race on March 3 and hosted him on campus about a month later for spring practice and meetings with the coaching staff.
Official Visit Schedule:
- May 29 – Mississippi State
- June 2 – Ole Miss
- June 5 – Florida State
- June 12 – Tennessee
- June 19 – LSU
Ford is an athletic, versatile linebacker with significant upside as he continues to develop. FSU is currently the only ACC school still pursuing him, competing directly with several SEC programs.
During his junior year at Greenwood High School, Ford recorded 60 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, eight pass deflections, and three interceptions. At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, he is ranked No. 262 overall, No. 21 among linebackers, and No. 9 in Mississippi in the 2027 class by 247Sports Composite Ratings.
FSU’s 2027 Recruiting Class
Florida State currently has six verbal commitments in the #Tribe27 class, ranked No. 28 nationally:
- TE Connor Winn (3⭐️)
- DE Anthony Cavallaro (3⭐️)
- LB Gregory Batson (4⭐️)
- DB Mekhi Williams (4⭐️)
- DB Jemari Foreman (3⭐️)
- DB DaYon Cooper (3⭐️)
Linebacker Roster for 2026 Season
FSU’s linebacking group includes: Omar Graham Jr., Mikai Gbayor, AJ Cottrill, Blake Nichelson, Caleb LaVallee, Brandon Torrest, Chris Jones, Chris Thomas, Ethan Pritchard, Izayia Williams, Karon Mayock, Daylen Green, and Noah LaVallee.
The Seminoles aim to continue building a strong linebacker room, and landing a player like Ford would give them a key piece for the Odom era’s defensive core.
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