State of Florida Recruiting H.Q.: Florida State reporter Peter Holland
Hosts Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson preview the announcements of Byron Louis and Ladarian Clardy, talk FSU recruiting with Peter Holland.
MIAMI — Byron Louis says Florida State’s surprising winless start to the 2024 season isn’t factoring into his decision.
“I mean, three games don’t define them,” Louis said after American Heritage-Plantation’s 35-32 loss against Miami Central at Traz Powell Stadium on Friday. “Same with our three games (losses) don’t define us. At the end of the day, that’s a great program. That history is amazing. Honestly, it’s still a good school. Like I said, three games don’t define them.”
Louis, Heritage’s four-star running back, is set to make his commitment announcement at 10 p.m. Saturday. His finalists are Florida State, Georgia, Miami and Wisconsin. Louis said he finalized his decision approximately a week ago.
Louis said one of the factors working in Florida State’s favor is the opportunity for early playing time. The top two running backs on the Seminoles’ depth chart are seniors Roydell Williams and Lawrence Toafili. Top backup Kam Davis also is a senior.
“They’re all seniors,” Louis said. “When I come in; the whole team is really a senior team, a transfer portal team. Me going in would be different.”
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Louis is the top-rated running back on the USA Today Florida Network Top 100 and is ranked No. 25 overall in the state. He rushed for 1,224 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2023. He has rushed for 466 yards and four touchdowns and caught 10 passes for 109 yards and score in the first four games of this season.
Former Heritage head coach Patrick Surtain Sr. and FSU head coach Mike Norvell have been the primary Seminoles coaches recruiting Louis. Having Norvell involved in his recruiting meant a lot, Louis said.
“He just texted me every day,” Louis said. “He made me a priority. It felt amazing. It was a blessing.”
Louis had a couple of first-down runs early in the game but was ejected in the second quarter for a comment he made. Heritage (2-3, No. 2 Class 4A) led 21-7 before Louis’ ejection. Central (4-1, No. 1 Class 3A) scored the next 28 points to take control and hold on for the win.
Central junior quarterback Anthony McQueen threw three touchdowns passes and rushed for a score.
Heritage junior quarterback Dia Bell, a Texas commit, also threw three touchdown passes and rushed for a score.
Recruiting notes
Central wide receiver Naeshaun Montgomery (Florida commit, No. 35 top 100) caught a 16-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, which ended up being the game-winning score.
Heritage junior wide receiver Jamar Denson caught two touchdown passes. Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Pitt are among the schools who have offered Denson.
Central senior wide receivers Sekou Smith (Mississippi State commit) and Kha’leal Sterling (Pitt commit) also had touchdown receptions.
American Heritage wide receiver Malachi Toney (Miami commit), who recently reclassified from the 2026 class to the 2025 class, caught seven passes for 89 yards.
Central senior defensive lineman Floyd Boucard had a half sack. Boucard recently decommitted from Oklahoma.
American Heritage junior wide receiver Brandon Bennett caught an 80-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. The speedy receiver has offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Michigan and several other Power Four programs.
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Publish date : 2024-09-20 13:00:00
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