When it comes to Florida State recruiting, it’s either the highest of highs or the lowest of lows. This past week is a perfect example. The fanbase was elated after the commitment of top 100 quarterback Keldric Faulk. That quickly turned into buzz the next day, however, when four-star defensive back Avery Stewart chose Kentucky over the Seminoles.
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On Saturday, five-star cornerback and No. 2 prospect in the class of 2024, Desmond Ricks, announced his top 10. In a shocking twist, the Seminoles were omitted from a list that also included Miami, Florida and Jackson State as LSU, Oregon, Ohio State, USC, Alabama, Texas A&M and Oklahoma.
Ricks was leaning toward Florida State at one point, so the program not even being listed among his top 10 schools was a surprise. Asked about Hayes Fawcett’s decision by On3, Ricks said the coaching staff had cut contact with him.
“I haven’t heard from them in months,” Ricks claimed according to Fawcett. “They must have given up or something.”
If true, it would be disappointing to say the least. It would also be a stark reversal from how much the Seminoles made Ricks a priority. After Florida State’s spring game in April, he had conversations with head coach Mike Norvell and defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson about how much of a priority he was for them.
“They just told me how much of a priority I am for Florida State,” Ricks told NoleGameday’s Dustin Lewis. “You know, I’m just building this relationship.”
According to Ricks himself, Coach Woodson has been building a relationship with him since the eighth grade. The two were very close to the point that the five-star prospect viewed Woodson as family.
“Really tight,” Ricks said. “Coach Woodson has been recruiting me since I was in eighth grade. Our relationship is close, I look at him as family, not as a coach.”
In April, NoleGameday learned from multiple sources that the Florida native was expected to pledge to the Seminoles before the spring game. For one reason or another, Ricks did not follow through on these plans. That didn’t stop him from naming Florida State his top school coming into the weekend because of how tight he was with the coaching staff.
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“Definitely the best school right now,” Ricks said. “The School of Victory.”
“When I’m here, I’m just comfortable,” Ricks continued. “I feel at home. It’s a family atmosphere. I’m getting closer to the coaching staff. I just feel comfortable here.”
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You know what they say about truth. There are two sides to every story, but the truth is usually somewhere in the middle. It’s hard to think of Florida State cutting ties with a top prospect, let alone one who has almost committed to the program.
Regardless, the coaching staff isn’t allowed to talk publicly about the rookie, so for now, they’ll just have to let the wave of negative attention run its course.
Despite the horror of Ricks’ news, Florida State has clearly done something right in the 2024 class so far. The Seminoles have four commitments; five-star running back Cam Davis, four-star safety Jordan Pride, four-star wide receiver Camden Fryer and three-star quarterback Luke Cromenhook. The catch is second in the country.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback is considered the No. 2 overall prospect, the No. 1 CB and the No. 1 recruit in the state of Florida in the class of 2024 according to 247Sports.
Stick to NoleGameday for more Florida State football coverage over the summer.
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