FSU Football Bringing In Talented Group Of Walk-Ons In 2024 Class
Florida State is always searching for a way to add talent to the roster whether that's through high school recruiting, junior college, or the transfer portal. The coaching staff has proven that they'll flip over every rock imaginable if they think it's going to benefit a program that is flourishing in Tallahassee.
Wednesday marked the traditional National Signing Day around the country and while the Seminoles did most of their work in December, they added a number of preferred walk-ons who turned down other options to wear garnet and gold. Head coach Mike Norvell has had plenty of success utilizing the avenue since taking over the program.
Players such as running back Treshaun Ward, running back CJ Campbell, tight end Wyatt Rector, and tight end Preston Daniel all made impacts at Florida State over the past couple of years. Linebacker AJ Cottrill, defensive back Donny Heibert, and defensive end Dante Anderson were among the former walk-ons who saw playing time last year.
Let's take a look at some of the incoming PWO additions for the Seminoles.
— Gavin Holman, Linebacker
Holman joins the Seminoles after a productive career at Berkeley Prep. He chose Florida State over offers from programs such as Kennesaw State, Brown, Cornell, and Pennsylvania. The trio of Ivy League offers speaks to the intelligence that he's bringing on and off the field to the college level.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound linebacker totaled 89 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections as a senior. He helped guide the Buccaneers to a state championship during his final year at the prep level.
— Willy Suarez, Wide Receiver
Suarez is another productive athlete from the Tampa area after winning the Guy Toph Award for Hillsborough County's most outstanding player as a senior. He was a threat on offense and special teams, scoring 21 total touchdowns. Suarez caught 65 passes for 1,232 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns while rushing 31 times for 211 yards and five more scores. He added two kickoff returns and a punt return for scores as well.
The Florida native decided to choose to become a PWO at Florida State over interest from UCF, USF, Air Force, Toledo, Liberty, Furman, and Bucknell. He was previously committed to Army until January.
— William Ross, Defensive End
Ross brings in plenty of size at 6-foot-5, 250-pounds and that frame was recognized by colleges across the country as he earned offers from Maryland, FIU, and Akron. In the end, he decided to continue his career at Florida State after playing defensive end and tight end for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
While his senior stats aren't listed on MaxPreps, Ross recorded 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. He looks the part and moves well.
— Luke Douglas, Tight End
Douglas played quarterback throughout his high school career but plans to convert to tight end as he transitions to Florida State. A Kansas native, he finished his time at the prep level playing for Jupiter High School.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound athlete completed 120/188 passes (63.8%) of his passes for 2,131 yards with 22 touchdown passes to seven interceptions while rushing 56 times for 281 yards and 11 more scores. Douglas also spent time on defense where he totaled 21 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two interceptions as a senior.
— Lazarius Parks, Running Back
A dual-sport athlete, Parks starred on the gridiron and hardwood for Crestview High School. He's got good ball skills and a solid build with the ability to play across the offense at the college level.
As a senior, Park rushed 40 times for 222 yards with one touchdown while catching 24 passes for 364 yards and seven more scores through the air.
READ MORE: Potential Star Wide Receiver Returning To FSU Football In 2024
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