Florida State in the mix for high-profile transfer

The Seminoles are looking to fill a need in the defensive backfield.

Sep 2, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell before the game against the Boston College Eagles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images / Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Florida State's work in the NCAA Transfer Portal continues into the end of April. The Seminoles have four roster spots to play with and are exploring potential options on both sides of the ball with an emphasis on wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and the defensive backfield.

Head coach Mike Norvell and his staff are set to host a coveted safety transfer in the near future. After officially entering the portal on Monday, former Tennessee defensive back Jakobe Thomas has scheduled visits to Florida State and Miami, per On3's Pete Nakos.

These will be the only two trips that Thomas takes prior to his decision.

READ MORE: Kansas City Chiefs sign priority undrafted free agent from FSU Football

Going up against Miami in a recruitment that will likely prioritize NIL sounds like a steep task for the Seminoles. However, Florida State does have one crucial relationship going in its favor.

FSU Offensive Director of Scouting, Rick Stockstill, was previously Thomas's head coach at Middle Tennessee State from 2021-23. Thomas signed with the Blue Raiders as a three-star prospect in 2021.

After redshirting during his true freshman season, Thomas jumped into the defensive rotation. In 2022, he appeared in 12 games and made three starts, totaling 37 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, three pass deflections, and four interceptions.

Tennessee defensive back Jakobe Thomas (9) warms up before a college football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The following season, Thomas developed into a starter at Middle Tennessee State. He started in ten of his 11 appearances and recorded a career-high 71 tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and five pass deflections.

The Blue Raiders chose to fire Stockstill after the 2023 season. That led Thomas to hit the portal and he landed in the SEC at Tennessee.

During his lone season with the Volunteers, Thomas contributed in 13 games as a member of the rotation. He totaled 22 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections. Thomas was a regular on a defense that helped Tennessee advance to the College Football Playoff.

Injuries decimated Florida State's safety room during the spring as redshirt senior Shyheim Brown, junior Conrad Hussey, and redshirt sophomore Earl Little Jr. all missed time. That's expedited the need for another veteran in the room to shore up the position. After all, the Seminoles will have three safeties on the field in the majority of situations next fall.

Thomas stands at 6-foot-2, 200-pounds. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

Who Has Florida State Landed During The Spring Window?

Quarterback Jaylen King, Junior (East Tennessee State)

Cornerback Jeremiah Wilson, Senior (Houston)

Who Has Entered The Transfer Portal From Florida State During The Spring Window?

Quarterback Trever Jackson, Redshirt Freshman (transferred to Arkansas)

Wide Receiver Hykeem Williams, Junior

Wide Receiver Jordan Scott, Junior (transferred to Maryland)

Wide Receiver Jalen Brown, Redshirt Sophomore (Dismissed)

Tight End Markeston Douglas, Redshirt Senior

Offensive Lineman TJ Ferguson, Redshirt Senior

Offensive Lineman Jaylen Early, Redshirt Junior (transferred to Missouri)

Defensive End Aaron Hester, Redshirt Junior (transferred to Liberty)

Defensive Tackle D'Nas White, Redshirt Freshman

Linebacker Timir Hickman-Collins, Redshirt Freshman

Who Does Florida State Have In The Defensive Backfield For The 2025 Season?

Redshirt Senior Shyheim Brown

Redshirt Senior Jeremiah Wilson

Redshirt Junior Earl Little Jr.

Redshirt Junior Ashlynd Barker

Redshirt Junior Christian White

Junior Conrad Hussey

Junior Quindarrius Jones

Junior Donny Hiebert

Redshirt Sophomore Edwin Joseph

Redshirt Sophomore KJ Kirkland

Redshirt Sophomore Ja'Bril Rwls

Redshirt Freshman Charles Lester III

Redshirt Freshman Ricky Knight III

Redshirt Freshman Cai Bates

Redshirt Freshman Jamari Howard

True Freshman Gregory Xavier Thomas

True Freshman Shamar Arnoux

True Freshman Max Redmon

True Freshman Antonio Cromartie Jr.

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READ MORE: 3 key positions FSU Football must address during spring transfer portal window

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