Five-star athlete on Florida State Seminoles offer: 'It's defensive back university'

Andrew Nemec | Feb 18, 2025

Honor Fa'alave-Johnson transferred from St. Augustine to Cathedral Catholic after his freshman season. / Photo by Steven Silva

Cathedral Catholic (California) five-star athlete Honor Fa'alave-Johnson is only a sophomore in high school.

But he's already one of the most coveted prospects in the nation.

The 6-foot, 170-pound running back/defensive back is rated the nation's No. 2 athlete and No. 16 overall prospect in the class of 2027 and has accumulated more than 20 scholarship offers.

Fa'alave-Johnson's latest offer came this week from the Florida State Seminoles -and to say he was excited would be an understatement.

"I'm beyond blessed to get this opportunity," he said. "In my opinion, it’s Defensive Back University, so I know they will get me developed to go."

God is great. I’m beyond blessed to announce that I’ve received the opportunity to further my talents at Thee Florida State University. #23 @Coach_Norvell @evancooper2 @gross904 #Nolefamily🍢 pic.twitter.com/4nWWlRLiyT

— Honor Fa’alave Johnson | Class of 2027 (@HonorFaalave) February 18, 2025

It's the familiarity with the program that has him curious , and he was quck to metion Deion Sanders, Jalen Ramsey and Xavier Rhodes as past Seminoles he followed.

While Fa'alave-Johnson has yet to step foot on campus he expects that to change now that the offer has been extended.

"My family and I are definitely going to check it out as soon as possible," he said.

While it's far too early to speculate on a future landing spot, Fa'alave-Johnson has taken four trips to Eugene to check out the Oregon Ducks.

So far, he's built a strong relationship with the staff.

"They make it know that although I'm young I'm a guy they want bad," he said. "(I like) the vibe and aura I feel over there. Everything feels like a second home. The coaches stand out to me because they always look out for me and just make Oregon feel like home,"