BREAKING: Florida State Beats Out Deion Sanders, Colorado For Five-Star CB Charles Lester III

The Seminoles have landed one of the crown jewels of their 2024 class.

Florida State has been red-hot on the recruiting trail in July. The Seminoles have nearly doubled their commitment list over the last few weeks in a month that will be one to remember for #Tribe24.

On Friday night, FSU's coaching staff added another feather to its cap after five-star cornerback Charles Lester III announced his decision to pledge to the Seminoles over Colorado, Alabama, and others. 

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This is a huge win for the coaching staff after beating out Deion Sanders for one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Coming into the month, Lester was considered to be a major lean to Florida State. However, an official visit to Colorado in June and another last-minute trip to Boulder before his decision raised some eyebrows around the country.

Lester put all of the drama to bed with his declaration to suit up in Tallahassee for his collegiate career. One of the biggest factors in his decision was the relationship he built with head coach Mike Norvell during the course of his recruitment.

“Coach Norvell, I have the best relationship with Coach Norvell of anyone else here so that explains it all - to have that type of relationship with the head man," Lester said to NoleGameday previously. "His character and the way he loves, not only shows, but he makes me feel like I’m a high priority, makes me feel like he’s going to give me his all and do whatever it takes to get me to the next level I want to go to. Out of all the head coaches I’ve been to, that guy makes me feel like the highest priority in the world.”

The Florida native has also quickly developed a connection with defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., who just joined the staff in January. Lester is confident in the plan that Florida State has in place to utilize his talents.

“He’s one of the newest coaches on the staff, but we’ve got a good feeling about each other and we know each other a little well for him just being here," Lester said. "I believe in that guy, I believe he’ll take me to the next level and the plan they have for me, they want me to shoot through the roof. I put my trust in that.”

Lester will begin his career in Tallahassee on the defensive side of the ball. He has exceptional ball skills and vision. Lester is a fluid athlete who moves extremely well and takes advantage of the length he brings to the table. While opposing teams aren't throwing at him much at the prep level, it'll be important for Lester to continue improving against the run.

With his pledge, Florida State's class jumps back into the top ten at No. 8 with 18 verbal commitments. The positive news might not be over with four-star offensive lineman Manasse Itete planning to commit to a program tomorrow after recently backing off his decision to USC.

As a junior, Lester recorded 18 tackles and five interceptions on defense while catching 34 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns on offense. He helped guided Riverview High School to the third round of Florida's 4S playoffs while earning playing time at cornerback, wide receiver, and wildcat quarterback.

Lester is set to play his senior season at Venice High School after transferring earlier this year.

The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback is regarded as the No. 19 overall prospect, the No. 2 CB, and the No. 4 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.

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