Florida State was able to get three-star safety Jemari Foreman to shut down his recruitment, and they landed four-star athlete Za’Kari Johnson on Tuesday, who is expected to be used as a defensive back. However, the Seminoles have one more key prospect in the secondary they’re in contention for in the 2027 cycle, and that’s four-star safety Ta’Shawn Poole.
He is set to make his decision on Friday, with the Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, and FSU being his three options. It’s been an intriguing recruitment for Poole with a few twists and turns along the way, especially when Georgia got his final official visit.
The finish line is here, and the speculation will soon end for where Poole ends up committing. Noles247 insider Kolby Crawford, Dawgs247 insider Benjamin Wolk, GoVols247 insider Ryan Callahan, and Noles247’s Brendan Sonnone all see Florida State as the school to beat for Poole. That’s the same energy that Tom Loy of 247Sports had when he spoke on where his recruitment stands.
The best in the Peach State typically stay home and play for head coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs. Especially when it comes to elite defenders, Georgia is tough to beat. While there was a point where we felt that would be the case for Poole, that is not how I see things shaking out this week. I actually believe Florida State has done the best job with the elite defensive back, and the Seminoles look poised to land his commitment.
FSU is selling Poole on playing time as well as what is reported to be the best package as far as revenue share goes. The relationship that he’s built with the program is also extremely strong due to ties with his aunt who played basketball at Florida State, and also his bond with safeties coach Evan Cooper, which goes back two years.
The recruitment of Poole is expected to continue until the end of the year no matter which program he chooses, which is understandable with a player of his caliber because schools simply aren’t going to give up. It would still be a major win for FSU if they were to get his pledge now, and hopefully a good season on the field will be able to keep him if so.
There’s been tremendous success for Florida State on the recruiting trail since the beginning of June. Poole would be the biggest addition of them all, and it could cap off a productive summer in terms of acquiring talent.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU continues to be the favorite to land blue-chip safety
Reporting by Matthew Lenix , FSU Wire / FSU Wire
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By Matthew Lenix , FSU Wire | USA TODAY Network
