On National Signing Day, five athletes signed to Florida State as preferred walk-ons.
Coach Mike Norvell takes great pleasure in the Seminoles’ walk-on program, and FSU has routinely gained excellent performers via the PWO ranks in recent years. FSU’s success stories include starting running back Treshaun Ward, special teams ace Wyatt Rector, rotational running back CJ Campbell (now at FAU), contributing tight end Preston Daniel, and current DB Donny Hiebert (a special teams regular as a true freshman).
Who could be next? Here’s a look at the five players that will join four-star quarterback Trever Jackson as PWOs.
LB/De Gavin Holman.
Gavin Holman is a six-foot-one, 230-pound defender from Berkeley Prep in Tampa. He moves well for his stature and demonstrated versatility in high school as both a solid stand-up pass rusher and classic off-ball linebacker. Smart. Processes the game effectively, as proven by several scoops and touchdowns as a senior. Had 21 TFL this season.
Holman will choose FSU over Cornel, Brown, and Penn (indicating his intelligence).
WR WILLIAM SUAREZ
Willy Suarez is a quick athlete from Tampa Jesuit who projected as a wide receiver after his output increased dramatically in 2023 (from 200 receiving yards to 1,232 receiving yards, in addition to 200+ running yards).
He possesses good speed (11.11 in the 100-meter sprint) and twitchy movements generally.
His list of offers included the Air Force and the Army.
TE LUKE DOUGLAS
Luke Douglas is a QB with a big frame (6-5/220) out of Jupiter High. He is expected to make the move to TE at FSU. Douglas had a strong showing in 2023, leading Jupiter to the state playoffs for the first time in 18 years and breaking 5 school records. He made some impressive throws over the middle of the field and used his athleticism to evade rushers in the backfield. On top of playing QB, Douglas never missed a snap at safety, racking up 31 tackles, 2 TFL, and 2 interceptions. His natural athleticism makes him a threat to create quick separation off the line of scrimmage. He has shown an ability to break tackles and will continue to improve in that area if he can continue adding weight. His experience at QB should be beneficial in his development as a pass catcher.
Bottom line, Douglas has the potential to become a useful rotational TE with above average athleticism over the next few years.
DL WILLIAM ROSS
William Ross, a Parkland (Fla.) native, has the build of a DI football star (MaxPreps.com estimates him to be 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds). He has played on both sides of the ball, making an impact on the defensive line and as tight end for Stoneman Douglas High School.
According to MaxPreps, Ross had 20 total tackles, including 4 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. He also scored a touchdown.
Ross moves well for a large guy, and he plays with a relentless aggressiveness that the coaches were undoubtedly drawn to.
