Florida State made an offer to four-star linebacker Rodney Colton Jr. in January. However, they first started building a relationship with him a couple of years ago, but he hadn’t taken a visit since he attended a game in 2023.
Colton was on campus this past weekend as the Seminoles held their second spring scrimmage. It was the coaching staff, in particular, linebackers coach John Papuchis, that impressed Colton.
“It’s the way the coaches are coaching,” Colton told Noles247. “Cash downs, we have that word at Newnan (Ga.). Cash down, money down, got to go get that bread. Coach JP (John Papuchis) is just a great coach. The whole staff are great coaches. You can really learn from them.”
Papuchis transitioned from coaching the defensive line to the linebacker position, which he did at North Carolina and Maryland before he came to Florida State. He has been spearheading the Seminoles’ efforts in recruiting Colton.
While Colton was taking in practice, he got to spend some time with Elijah Herring, who transferred to FSU back in January. Both guys are from the same area, and Colton revealed that Herring gave him some advice when it came to coming in and getting playing time early.
“He says to stay humble, because if you really want to be here, then you have to work. You have to really work for a starting spot. Elijah came from the transfer portal, so he’s been an underdog before.”
Herring transferred from Tennessee to Memphis in 2024. He responded with 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Colton mentioned that Florida State likes him as an off-ball linebacker as well as a guy who can play the JACK position in defensive coordinator Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme. That will require some rushing off the edge, which Colton does in high school. So, Colton seems to be a scheme fit, and that’s always a valuable thing.
The Seminoles were originally scheduled to host Colton for an official visit in October. However, the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder has moved that to an official visit during the summer on June 6.
“I just want to get here as soon as possible so my mom can see it,” explained Colton. “I know she will love it here.”
It’s clear that the Seminoles crushed this visit with Colton, and they need to keep the momentum going until he returns in a few months.
Had an outstanding time today at FSU @Coach_Norvell @FSUCoachJP @FSUCoachTW @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/qvj6gXHnEc
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Elite LB target moves up official visit date after visit with FSU
Reporting by Matthew Lenix , FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
