Former FSU Football Commit To Begin College Career In State Of Florida

The former longtime Seminole pledge has found a new home.

National Signing Day commenced on Wednesday as prospects around the country who didn't sign in December revealed their decisions. The day was a staple in years past but has effectively been replaced by the Early Signing Period.

Florida State's 2024 class is all but complete but at least one former commitment found a college landing spot. According to his social media, three-star defensive back CJ Heard signed with Florida Atlantic and second-year head coach Tom Herman.

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That means Heard will begin his collegiate career in the state of Florida after being committed to the Seminoles for well over a year. He pledged to FSU in July of 2022 before the two parties chose to part ways in November.

Florida State still ended up with one of the top defensive back classes in the country despite moving on from Heard and the decommitment of five-star safety KJ Bolden. The Seminoles were able to land four-star Charles Lester III, four-star Jamari Howard, four-star Cai Bates, and four-star Ricky Knight III. Lester, Howard, and Bates are already in Tallahassee as early enrollees.

Heard is coming off the most productive season of his prep career. He recorded 72 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one interception, and seven pass deflections on defense while rushing 14 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns on offense. Heard helped guide Woodward Academy to an appearance in the state championship.

The 5-foot-11, 193-pound defensive back is regarded as the No. 697 overall prospect, the No. 68 S, and the No. 82 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.

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READ MORE: FAMU Football Officially Adds Two More Former FSU Football Players

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