2024 safety C.J. Heard commits to Florida State, his 'dream school'

Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academy safety C.J. Heard has committed to Florida State. He knew his recruitment would go this way for some time.

The No. 335 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus rankings for the class of 2024 wanted to commit to the Seminoles when he walked into head coach Mike Norvell’s office for the first time.

“I like everything that he stands for,” Heard told On3. “The way that he goes about football, he’s all about relationships and I am as well. Everything was clicking. The way coach (Marcus) Woodson makes me a priority, and the way I have a relationship with all the coaches, even the offensive coaches are big. When you commit to a school you need to have a relationship with all the coaches. That’s a big impact.”

Heard feels his family is a priority at Florida State as well.

“It’s a family vibe every time I bring my siblings on campus,” Heard said. “I can walk away knowing my little brother is safe and having fun with the coaches. The second time I went, it was like ‘this is it’. This was the best school I’ve visited. Everything about it is perfect.”

Florida State has always been Heard’s favorite team growing up. Heard watched Jameis Winston lead Florida State to its most recent National Championship.

Heard was hooked on the Florida State brand.

“I really don’t know why, I’ve always come to the Florida State camps even back when they had Jimbo Fisher as the head coach,” Heard said. “I’ve always been on campus and watching the game. There’s history with their defensive backs. I was a running back growing up, but I’ve always loved defense. FSU always has had a good defense. We’re getting it back on track.”

C.J. Heard hoping to help bring Florida State back to championship contention

Heard is Florida State’s sixth commitment in the class of 2024. He has high hopes for his class and the ones coming behind them.

“I’m trying to get us to a national championship,” Heard said. “I’m trying to bring everyone. We’re going to shock the world. I trust coach Norvell. We’re going to get these recruits. The Seminoles are going to back to where they belong.”