2023 DB Avery Stuart planning July decision following official visit to Florida State
Florida State hosted eight official visitors over the weekend in the coaching staff's final opportunity to get recruits on campus prior to the upcoming dead period. 2023 defensive back Avery Stuart was one of the prospects to make the trip, his second to Tallahassee in less than two months.
The visit gave Stuart an opportunity to learn more about the school and the city as a whole.
"I loved it," Stuart said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "I saw a lot more new stuff because I've been here for two days now."
"I just saw a lot more about the city, the school, you know, you've got FAMU right up the street," Stuart continued. "It's like a whole big family in Tallahassee."
READ MORE: Florida State's projected 2022 scholarship count
While Stuart spent an ample amount of the time with the coaching staff throughout the weekend, he also got to meet with some current players. They made him feel like he was already a member of the program and that meant a lot to him.
"The players made me feel like I was already a player here," Stuart said. "They made me feel like it was home. They made me feel like I was their brother. I appreciate that."
Defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson has been Stuart's primary recruiter since Florida State offered him earlier this year. Woodson was attached at the hip with Stuart and his parents during the official visit.
"He really showed me that he would like me here," Stuart said. "Coach Woodson, he's always been in my ear so I appreciate it."
Prior to departing Tallahassee, the Alabama native sat down with head coach Mike Norvell in his office for a meeting. He knows that if he signs with the Seminoles, Norvell is going to push him to be the best player possible.
"Same thing. You get nothing but the truth out of him," Stuart said. "He said if you want to come here then he's going to push you to the greatest limit."
Stuart and the other visitors knew they were in for a surprise when Norvell informed them they'd be participating in a cooking competition. He teamed up with 2023 defensive end Keldric Faulk and the pair finished second. It was the first time that Stuart had cooked anything, making it a little nerve-wracking.
One thing that stood out to him was getting a better feel for how the coaches interact with the players. It's clear to Stuart that everyone in the program is closely connected.
"Seeing the relationship with the coaches have with all of the players, the coaching staff," Stuart said. "They all just connect on a different level."
READ MORE: Is Florida or Miami a tougher opponent for the Seminoles in 2022?
Coming out of his second official visit of the summer, Stuart is planning to make a commitment in July. He doesn't have an exact date set just yet but the contenders will be the schools that made his top-6 a few months ago; Florida State, Auburn, Kentucky, Arkansas, Miami, and Michigan State.
The Seminoles are sitting in a good position to acquire Stuart ahead of his decision after his most recent trip to Tallahassee.
"I enjoyed it," Stuart said. "They're climbing the ranks."
The 6-foot-2, 184-pound defensive back is regarded as the No. 197 overall prospect, the No. 12 safety, and the No. 16 recruit in the state of Alabama in the 2023 class according to 247Sports.
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the summer.
Follow Dustin Lewis on Twitter
