FSU’s Local Recruiting Challenges Continue as Another Top Prospect Looks Elsewhere
Florida State’s recruiting struggles, particularly when it comes to keeping top in-state talent home, remain an ongoing concern during Mike Norvell’s tenure.
The Seminoles have not signed a top-10 recruiting class since 2017, the final stretch of Jimbo Fisher’s time in Tallahassee. While Florida State has landed its share of quality prospects in recent years, the program has continued to miss on several of the area’s most highly regarded recruits.
The Seminoles have enjoyed some local success, signing four-star athlete Micahi Danzy out of Florida High, along with 2026 commitments from four-star running back Amari Thomas, defensive end Cam Brooks, offensive lineman Jakobe Green, and linebacker Jayden Green. However, those additions have been offset by notable recruiting losses.
Earlier this summer, Clemson secured a commitment from five-star wide receiver Jamarin Simmons after building a strong relationship throughout his recruitment, another example of an elite local prospect choosing another program over Florida State.
Kahmaree Crumity Leaves Florida State Out of Top 10
The latest setback came when four-star cornerback Kahmaree Crumity announced his list of 10 finalists, and Florida State was notably absent.
Despite playing at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Crumity included Miami, Clemson, UCLA, Ole Miss, Indiana, Louisville, Notre Dame, Auburn, Tennessee, and Texas A&M among his top schools.
His decision was particularly surprising given his local ties. Crumity previously attended Gadsden County High School, where Florida State director of recruiting Devin Rispress has established connections.
Although recruiting remains fluid and prospects can reopen their recruitment, failing to make Crumity’s top 10 represents another disappointment for the Seminoles’ efforts to retain elite talent from the Tallahassee area.
Florida State had made a significant effort to stay involved in his recruitment, hosting Crumity on at least nine campus visits over the past year, including five visits during 2026.
Rising Prospect Continues to Gain Attention
During his sophomore season at Gadsden County, Crumity recorded 33 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception while earning first-team All-Big Bend honors.
The 6-foot, 173-pound defensive back is ranked No. 322 nationally, the No. 34 cornerback, and the No. 49 player in Florida in the 2028 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Crumity joins a growing list of highly regarded prospects from the Tallahassee area who have committed elsewhere in recent recruiting cycles. That group includes five-star linebacker Raylen Wilson (Georgia), five-star safety Terrion Arnold (Alabama), four-star defensive back Makari Vickers (Oklahoma), four-star defensive end Jalen Wiggins (Florida), four-star safety Ahmari Harvey (Auburn), three-star defensive back Ashton Hampton (Clemson), three-star defensive back Tre Donaldson (Auburn), and three-star tight end Sage Ennis (Clemson).
As Florida State continues building future recruiting classes, improving its ability to retain top local talent remains an area the program will look to address.
Leave a Reply