FSU Football NIL Collective Announces First Deal With High School Signee In 2024
The attention since the calendar turned to 2024 has been on Florida State's success in the NCAA Transfer Portal. With that being said, the Seminoles are also bringing in the highest-ranked high school class that Mike Norvell has signed since arriving in Tallahassee over four years ago.
More than ten members of #Tribe24 are already on campus to get a head start on their college careers. The group includes former five-star cornerback Charles Lester III, who was the top-rated member of the class.
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On Friday afternoon, Lester III became the first high school signee to partner up with The Battle's End in 2024. He certainly won't be the last with the number of announcements the NIL collective has made over the past couple of weeks.
Lester III was one of the top cornerbacks in the 2023 class, choosing Florida State over Colorado, Alabama, and Georgia. He spent his senior season at Venice High School, helping guide the program to an appearance in the 4S State Championship game and a district title. He recorded 50 tackles, three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a blocked field goal.
During his junior season at Riverview High School, Lester III caught 41 passes for 420 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 112 yards and a score on offense. He also totaled 20 tackles and two interceptions on defense.
Lester III was with the Seminoles for practice leading up to the Orange Bowl against Georgia. He's expected to instantly get into the mix of FSU's defensive rotation this spring.
The Battle's End has agreed to terms with running back Lawrance Toafili, running back Caziah Holmes, wide receiver Darion Williamson, wide receiver Kentron Poitier, wide receiver Destyn Hill, offensive lineman Robert Scott, offensive lineman Darius Washington, offensive lineman Maurice Smith, offensive lineman Keiondre Jones, offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers, defensive end Patrick Payton, defensive end Byron Turner Jr, defensive end Marvin Jones Jr., defensive tackle KJ Sampson, linebacker Omar Graham Jr., cornerback Azareye'h Thomas, cornerback Fentrell Cypress II, cornerback Quindarrius Jones, cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls, safety Shyheim Brown, punter Alex Mastromanno, and kicker Ryan Fitzgerald since December.
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