Florida State received a significant boost on Saturday with the commitment of five-star running back Byron Louis. The talented prospect from American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, chose the Seminoles over other top programs such as Miami, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Louis joins his high school teammate, four-star cornerback Greg Thomas, who is also committed to Florida State. Their former coach, Patrick Surtain Sr., is now the Seminoles’ defensive backs coach.
Louis is a highly regarded prospect, having rushed for 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns during his 2023 season. His commitment comes at a crucial time for Florida State, as the team has been struggling both on the field and in recruiting. The Seminoles have faced setbacks in recent weeks, including losses to Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Memphis, which have led to doubts about the program’s strength. Additionally, recruiting had taken a hit, with the decommitments of four-star defensive end Javion Hilson and four-star defensive tackle Myron Charles, who flipped to Texas.
Despite these challenges, head coach Mike Norvell continues to focus on building the right culture and attracting talent that fits Florida State’s vision. Norvell, under pressure after a second 0-3 start in five years, is working to stabilize the program, especially after a tough 2023 season. The loss of former quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury in November and being left out of the College Football Playoff in favor of one-loss Alabama added to the program’s adversity.
Louis’ commitment is a positive development for the Seminoles, particularly as they’ve struggled in the running game this season. The addition of a player of Louis’ caliber provides hope for the future and shows that Florida State is still able to attract top talent, even in challenging times. His official visit to the program over the summer had left him impressed, and now he becomes a key part of the Seminoles’ efforts to return to prominence.
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