Seminole Sidelines: FSU Secures Three Major Commits in Recruiting Weekend Surge
Florida State’s recruiting weekend proved pivotal for head coach Mike Norvell and his staff. Over the past few days, FSU landed three key additions to its 2026 recruiting class, each representing a strategic win across different positions.
1. James “Tank” Carrington – Blue-Chip Defensive Lineman
- Announcement: Carrington, a 6’2″, 257-pound four-star DL from Irvine, California, officially committed to FSU on June 16, 2025, following his official visit to Tallahassee (tomahawknation.com).
- Recruiting Profile: Nationally ranked No. 351 by 247Sports, Carrington chose FSU over over 30 offers—including Arkansas—and brings a rare blend of massive size, 80-inch wingspan, and athletic disruption potential (tomahawknation.com).
- Coaching Edge: His recruitment was spearheaded by defensive line coach Terrance Knighton. Carrington’s physical traits and versatility at D‑line make him a perfect fit for Knighton’s scheme (tomahawknation.com).
- Impact: With already one DL commit in the class, Carrington elevates positional depth and strength, bolstering FSU’s trenches.
2. Tico Crittendon – Rugged Interior Defensive Lineman
- Announcement: On June 17, 2025, Lithonia, Georgia’s Tico Crittendon (6’4″, 300 lbs) pledged to the Seminoles (tomahawknation.com).
- Recruiting Profile: Ranked No. 336 overall and 40th at defensive line by 247Sports, Crittendon chose FSU over heavyweights like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas (tomahawknation.com).
- On‑Field Prowess: Limited to just five junior-season games, he still recorded 25 tackles (15 for loss), one sack, and two forced fumbles. Demonstrating elite strength (460 lb squat) and positional versatility, he’s poised to make an impact early (tomahawknation.com).
- Scheme Fit: Like Carrington, Crittendon will join the front under Knighton’s mentorship, complementing Carrington with inside-outside line flexibility.
3. Noah LaVallee – Instinctive Linebacker
- Announcement: Committed on June 17, 2025, this 6’2″, 220 lb linebacker from Walton High (Marietta, GA) brings FSU connection—his brother Caleb already on the roster (tomahawknation.com, tomahawknation.com).
- Recruiting Profile: LaVallee, slightly under‑the‑radar at No. 1,245 in the 247Sports Composite, hit First-Team All-Region with 124 tackles, five breakups, and a blocked punt during his junior year (tomahawknation.com).
- Intangibles: Scouts praise his field vision, positioning, leadership instincts, and 3.55 GPA. Despite modest recruiting buzz, he fits Tony White’s middle‑linebacker system perfectly (tomahawknation.com).
- Synergy: His football IQ and family ties make him a dependable pick who enhances class continuity.
Recruiting Class Momentum & Rankings
With Carrington, Crittendon, and LaVallee, FSU has surged in recruiting rankings: currently No. 19 (247Sports) and No. 14 (On3) for the 2026 cycle (tomahawknation.com). These commits, alongside James “Tank” Carrington and receiver Brandon Bennett, signify a well-balanced class with promising prospects across defense and offense (tomahawknation.com).
Florida State’s broader athletic success this week—including academic awards in golf, beach volleyball, and softball—illustrates a thriving program off the field (tomahawknation.com).
What This Trio Represents for FSU
| Commitment | Position | Key Strengths | Scheme Fit | Team Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrington | Edge/Interior DL (4★) | Elite size, wingspan, athleticism | Knighton’s DL front | Anchoring interior strength |
| Crittendon | Interior DL (Ranked 336) | Power, run-stuffing, versatility | DL depth, rotational player | Immediate contributor inside |
| LaVallee | MLB (3★, INT rise) | Leadership, vision/tackling, family DNA | Fits Tony White’s defense | Adds instinctive playmaker |
Together, they strengthen FSU’s front-seven—a focal point of the defensive strategy. With Carrington and Crittendon anchoring the line and LaVallee patrolling the second level, Norvell’s staff is constructing a formidable defensive core for future seasons.
Broader Recruiting Context
Norvell’s staff has transformed FSU’s recruiting narrative since the rough 2024 season. A strong early signing period helped rebound from losses and de‑commitments, positioning FSU to attract elite talent via flips and late pushes (fsuwire.usatoday.com, tomahawknation.com, tomahawknation.com, tomahawknation.com, tomahawknation.com, essentiallysports.com).
Earlier this cycle, FSU added four-star RB Amari Clemons, WR Efrem White, and DB Darryl Bell III—the foundation of a rising 2026 class (tomahawknation.com).
The consistent recruitment of blue-chip prospects—many ranked inside 300—shows how FSU’s staff rebuilt recruiting momentum after conference shifts and coaching transitions. Their success has already moved the program into respectable national recruiting positions .
⚙️ What’s Next? Top Targets & Outlook
FSU isn’t slowing down. Several key targets continue to eye Tallahassee:
- Defensive back Chancey Kennon (Sarasota, FL) is rumored to choose between FSU, Florida, Miami, LSU, and Georgia—with his decision expected July 6 (tomahawknation.com).
- The Tigers are also pursuing elite in-state wide receivers and QB prospects who visited during June’s recruiting weekend .
These prospects would bring even more balance, reinforcing offense with cornerback prowess and blue-chip receiving talents.
✏️ Final Word
Florida State’s recruiting weekend haul is exactly what Norvell needs to keep momentum building. Three diverse and high-upside commits across the defensive front represent careful, strategic gains: Carrington and Crittendon fortify the DL, while LaVallee adds intellect and instinct at linebacker.
These additions bring FSU’s 2026 class into the top 20 nationally, contributing to the program’s steady climb from last season’s struggles. With more blue-chip targets looming, the Seminoles’ future roster looks closer to their traditional standards of strength and depth.
If FSU continues this pace, they’re on their way to another top-tier class—one that can propel them back to national competitiveness.
