Four-Star DB Wardell Mack Details Relationship With Mike Norvell, Experience at Florida State
Florida State has put an emphasis on recruiting talent out of Louisiana. That's despite the fact that LSU normally gets its pick of the top players within the state.
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Regardless, plenty of players on the Seminoles' roster hail from the area including wide receiver Keon Coleman, wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas, wide receiver Destyn Hill, cornerback Greedy Vance, defensive end Byron Turner Jr, and offensive tackle Bless Harris.
The next player in line to go from Louisiana to Tallahassee might be four-star defensive back Wardell Mack, who took his official visit over the weekend. He noted that he felt comfortable around the coach YAC dubbed 'boot boys' during the trip.
"Magnificent. A great weekend," Mack said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "This visit, I got to be around the players and the family of Florida State. I was around Destyn Hill, Greedy Vance, guys like that."
This was his second visit to Florida State this year after a previous trip in April. Following his first time on campus, Mack made it a point to return to learn more about the budding program.
"Just to get back into the environment at Florida State," Mack said. "A real eye-opener on the first visit, just wanted to get back on campus."
One thing that caught his attention was how up-front the coaches and players are. He likes how genuine everyone involved with the program is.
"The interaction with everybody," Mack said. "The staff, the players, coaches. You see what you get, and I see that."
Some of the defensive backs had a simple message for Mack if he decides to commit to Florida State. It's not going to be easy.
"Got to be a dog," Mack said. "Only dogs. Dog-eat-dog world."
Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has been heavily involved in his recruitment over the past couple of months. Mack has been meeting with him to watch film and see if the Seminoles are a fit for him.
"We family, so we've been locked in since he first got here," Mack said. "We've been locking in, going over plays, watching film together, just overall trying to see what the best fit is for me, why I should be at Florida State, stuff like that."
A big reason that he's remained intrigued with Florida State is due to head coach Mike Norvell. They communicate nearly every other day and have developed a strong relationship.
"Coach Norvell. Every day, he's the same person," Mack said. "You're going to get the same energy."
"It's a strong relationship," Mack continued. "Me and him, we talk every other day, and it was important for me to get back up here to get back into the environment."
The Seminoles made an impression on Mack over the weekend. He's looking to schedule another trip to Florida State for a game during the season. That might happen in November when the team takes on rival Miami.
"I have a strong feeling, a strong pull for them," Mack said.
Mack has official visits to Florida and Texas later in June. He's also planning to set up trips to LSU, Ole Miss, and a couple of other programs. Mack is considering a commitment two to three games into the college season.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound defensive back is regarded as the No. 11 overall prospect, the No. 13 CB, and the No. 3 recruit in the state of Louisiana in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.
Wardell Mack's full interview can be seen below.
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