Five-Star QB Michael Tollefson impressed by first visit to Florida State

The Seminoles are looking to make a splash at the quarterback position in the 2025 class.

Florida State held one of its most highly-anticipated recruiting weekends of the offseason during the Seminole Legacy event. Some of the best players in the country flocked to Tallahassee, including nearly ten five-star prospects over the 2024 and 2025 classes.

READ MORE: Five-Star CB Charles Lester III nearly committed to Florida State during Friday visit

At the moment, the Seminoles only have two players from California on their roster but the coaching staff isn't giving up on the west coast. Florida State is pursuing one of the top players in the 2025 class in Five-Star Quarterback Michael Tollefson, who was joined by his father during his first trip to the school on Friday and Saturday.

"It was a nice weekend, we've been here for two days," Tollefson said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "Got to talk with coach Norvell and coach Tokarz a whole bunch and build that relationship."

The visit began on Friday when Tollefson arrived at Florida State to watch practice. He kept an eye on Jordan Travis, a player that he sees some of himself in.

"It was great to watch Jordan Travis practice, obviously he's a Heisman candidate this year," Tollefson said. "I feel like he's not the tallest quarterback, I'm not the tallest quarterback, someone I can kind of play my game after, someone I can look up to. So it was nice to see him in person, talk to him a little bit. Nice to meet him."

"His first years here, you didn't really know who Jordan Travis was. Then, he got to start playing, started making a name for himself," Tollefson continued. "I saw who coach Tokarz was working with, how he built him up. Like I said, I kind of see a little bit of myself in him and I feel like coach Tokarz, if I come here, could build me up that same way."

Tollefson was able to go through meetings with the quarterbacks before practice and closely followed the unit for the entirety of the session. The moment made him feel like he belonged.

"To be honest, I wasn't like starstruck or anything. I kind of felt like this is the next level but I don't feel like I'm too far," Tollefson said. "I feel like that's what me and my family, my coaches, that's what we've been working for. Whenever I get to college, I'm ready to compete. I know I belong in one of the top rooms in the country."

Florida State's coaching staff has been building a relationship with Tollefson over the past couple of years. His original contact began with former offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, who departed for Oregon last offseason. Since then, the reins have been handed off to head coach Mike Norvell and quarterbacks coach Tony Tokarz.

"Just the relationship I've built. I've been talking to Florida State for a couple of years now," Tollefson said. "I've had relationships ever since coach Dillingham was here and then when coach Dillingham left, coach Tokarz and coach Norvell. Just really the way that the relationship has built, stacked up over the years."

It helps to have a coach on staff that can relate to recruits who have yet to graduate from high school. That's exactly one reason that Tollefson has clicked with coach Tokarz.

"He's really probably the coach I'm closest to because he's pretty young because some of the coaches I talk to are...old. He's pretty young, he's pretty relatable, he's cool," Tollefson said. "It's not always about football, it's about what shoes you've got, it's more than just football. He's kind of built a personal relationship with me."

Prior to the conclusion of the visit, Tollefson sat down with coach Norvell for a meeting in his office. Norvell kept it real with him while also expressing how much Florida State is prioritizing him.

"Just how upfront coach Norvell was. He wasn't trying to really show all the glamour in the recruiting," Tollefson said. "He was really upfront with us, talking about how if you come here, you've got to work and the whole team is going to work. I really liked how he was real with me and my family."

"He already told me, obviously, I'm across the country but he already said, west coast, I'm their top guy and really top guy in 2025," Tollefson continued. "Obviously, it's kind of early to just talk about committing but it's not too early. After this weekend, FSU is probably one of my top schools. Let's see how far we can build this relationship and maybe soon, get some bigger news."

The Seminoles have made an early impression but will need to continue working to get him back on campus. Outside of Florida State, schools such as Michigan State, Miami, and Texas are standing out. Tollefson is going to go to Austin to work out and try to earn an offer over the summer.

"I'm going to hit up some other schools, narrow it down to my top schools," Tollefson said. "If FSU is somewhere that I'm interested in going, committing, then I'll be back soon."

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback is regarded as the No. 20 overall prospect, the No. 2 QB, and the No. 3 recruit in the state of California in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.

READ MORE: FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford makes a strong case for the Seminoles to leave the ACC

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 offseason

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook