Florida State And Three-Star DB CJ Heard Part Ways After Longtime Commitment

One of FSU's longest-standing pledges in #Tribe24 has reopened his recruitment after a mutual parting of ways.

Florida State holds one of the top 2024 recruiting classes in the country and the coaching staff is looking to add a couple of more prospects to the fold prior to the Early Signing Period in December. The Seminoles are set to bring in a significant number of newcomers when combined with potential transfer portal additions as there are only 13 scholarship seniors graduating from the team this winter.

On Sunday afternoon, three-star defensive back CJ Heard announced that he was backing off his longtime pledge to Florida State. This is believed to be a mutual parting of ways between the two parties after Heard originally committed to the Seminoles on July 30, 2022.

Heard was one of #Tribe24's longest-standing members prior to his decision to reopen his recruitment. Only four-star quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, four-star running back Kameron Davis, and four-star wide receiver Camdon Frier committed to the program before Heard. He played a role in five-star safety KJ Bolden joining the class. His departure from the group isn't expected to make an impact on Bolden's commitment to Florida State.

The Seminoles hold one of the top prep defensive back classes in the country with commitments from Bolden, five-star cornerback Charles Lester III, four-star cornerback Jamari Howard, and four-star cornerback Ricky Knight III.

FSU remains active at the spot in the current recruiting cycle. The Seminoles hosted four-star cornerback Cai Bates, four-star cornerback Zavier Mincey, and three-star safety Xavier Lucas earlier this month for the win over Miami. Bates recently decommitted from LSU, Mincey has been a target for the staff for quite some time, and Lucas continues to explore a potential flip to Florida State.

With Heard moving on, the Seminoles hold 22 verbal commitments in their 2024 class which continues to rank No. 3 in the country.

The 6-foot, 200-pound safety is regarded as the No. 532 overall prospect, the No. 56 S, and the No. 63 recruit in the state of Georgia in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.

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