JUCO DB Ashlynd Barker Recaps Official Visit to Florida State Ahead of Upcoming Decision

The Seminoles are pursuing another rangy prospect to provide depth in the defensive backfield prior to the 2023 season.

Florida State is searching for depth at safety after Jammie Robinson was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft while Omarion Cooper and Travis Jay both chose to transfer to Colorado. That leaves only two players at the position with game experience at the college level ahead of the upcoming season.

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The Seminoles are exploring their options in the transfer portal and also in the junior college market. 

Over the weekend, the coaching staff hosted Iowa Western Community College safety Ashlynd Barker for an official visit. Joined by his family, Barker was able to learn more about the program that just extended him a scholarship on May 2.

"It's pretty good. I liked it a lot," Barker said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "I learned how tight everybody is, the coaching staff. How they are really important on relationships and stuff like that."

Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller was the one that uncovered Barker during a recent visit to Iowa Western. After watching him practice, the Seminoles liked what they saw.

"As a DC, he's pretty cool," Barker said. "I really haven't seen how he is on the field, of course. What I got from the visit, he's pretty cool, wants me here bad."

Barker spent ample time around defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. during the course of the trip. The two were able to get to know one another.

"He's pretty chill. That was really the main thing. He knows what he's talking about definitely."

Prior to the conclusion of the visit, Barker sat down with head coach Mike Norvell for a meeting. Norvell made it clear that he wants the junior college prospect to continue his career in Tallahassee.

"He's a really energetic person," Barker said. "Same thing, he really wants me here bad. He was saying how he wants to coach me and stuff like that."

Measuring in at north of 6-foot-2 and around 200-pounds, the Seminoles believe that Barker can slot in at safety in the defensive backfield. Depending on how quickly he picks up the position, he can contribute at other spots as well.

"Beginning out, they will want me at high safety so that'll be the first thing I learn if I come here," Barker said. "If I got that down pat, they'll start trying to move to nickel."

The Georgia native's player host throughout the weekend was defensive back Jaden Floyd. He was also able to speak to other players such as Greedy Vance, Renardo Green, and Jarrian Jones. They essentially reiterated what the coaching staff had already told him. 

Relationships with the coaching staff and players are going to be paramount as Barker goes into decision mode.

"Really the main thing, they focus more on the relationship with the players more than football," Barker said. "Relationships are everything. If you don't have a relationship with them, it would be hard to come to a school and play for them."

It's possible that Barker makes a decision in the near future. The summer semester begins on Monday at Florida State so he plans to commit quickly if he's going to end up in Tallahassee.

"Going to talk about it with my family and stuff and then go from there," Barker said.

Barker has yet to be ranked in the 2023 class according to 247Sports. It's anticipated that he'll have four years to play four after redshirting at Iowa Western this past season.

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

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