Five-Star Cornerback Charles Lester III Has A 'Different Type Of Feeling' About Florida State

Lester concluded his official visit on Sunday afternoon which marked his ninth trip to Tallahassee.

Florida State wrapped up a star-studded weekend of official visits as five-star cornerback Charles Lester III was the final prospect to depart from Tallahassee. One of the top targets regardless of position for the Seminoles in the 2024 class, he's a player that the coaching staff has coveted for quite some time.

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The feeling has been mostly mutual throughout the recruiting process as Lester grew up a fan of FSU and has called the program his dream school. He got a closer look at the school he could call home at the next level over the last couple of days.

"I had a great time. I had time to come closer with the coaching staff, meet some of the new players and just enjoy time here where I feel the most comfortable at," Lester said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "It's a great place, great environment, and it only can explain itself so whoever comes and takes this trip knows what FSU football is about. I just enjoy every single minute I'm here."

The official visit marked Lester's ninth trip to Tallahassee during the course of his recruitment. Three of those visits have come since January as he's built strong relationships at Florida State.

“It's one of nine. From the first time I came to this place, I felt the love and the overall love that they had for me," Lester said. "Just being able to come here almost ten times, that builds that bond stronger and it ensures the love and security they’d have for me if I choose to pick this school."

Despite defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. just joining the staff in January, Lester says he believes that he can take his game to the next level with the Seminoles. He's confident in the plan that the coaching staff has pitched to him.

“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.”

The Florida native has grown close with multiple players on the team, including cornerback Jarrian Jones. Lester believes he has an opportunity to play early if he picks FSU.

"It's a man-on-man team, that's what every best corner wants to play. He also told me this is his last year, in particular," Lester said. "Everything I want, I can come in and I can take it. I have the opportunity to come in and be a starter as early as possible."

Lester's strongest relationship on the staff is with head coach Mike Norvell. That's another reason that the Seminoles are high on his list.

“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. "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.”

With programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and Colorado involved in his recruitment, Lester went into detail about what sets Florida State apart. He has a different type of feeling about the 'Noles.

"Just the tradition and the culture of the Florida State Seminoles. I mean it's just heartfelt, I can't even explain the feeling, it's a different type of feeling," Lester said. "Every time I get here I feel like I'm a kid at heart. Everything's exciting. I'm just so blessed to be here and be around this wonderful university that I always dreamed to come true."

It won't be long until he returns to Tallahassee for another visit. He wants to come back to hang out with some of the players in the near future.

“I’ll be back as soon as possible," Lester said. "I built relationships with the players so they let me know when I come back up I can come spend some time with them. All I have to do is let my aunt know I want to come spend some nights in Tallahassee, and she’ll know I’m in good hands. I’ll be up here real soon.”

Lester is drawing closer to a decision and is working on figuring out a date. That'll come following an official visit to Georgia next weekend.

"After this unique day, me and my aunt, whenever we get back home we're going to have a conversation about that," Lester said.

The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback is regarded as the No. 18 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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