3-star S Kenton Kirkland chooses Florida State: 'The coaching staff makes me feel like home'

It came down to Florida State and Kentucky for Jacksonville (Fla.) Raines three-star safety Kenton Kirkland. He took visits to both schools in July and found things he liked about both programs.

Yet when Kirkland sat down with his family to discuss his decision, he realized the Seminoles were the program for him. Kirkland first called defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson last Friday and told him that he was committing to Florida State. He then officially announced his pledge three days later.

“I feel like the background and the support system they have and the support system that I will have behind me, I feel like that would be the best fit possible,” Kirkland told On3. “I also want to be a part of that rebuilding phase to say I helped Florida State get back to where they used to be.”

Kirkland is the latest addition to the Seminoles’ 2023 recruiting class, which ranked No. 18 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 4 in the ACC prior to his commitment. How Florida State’s staff treated Kirkland during the recruiting process played a role in his decision to choose the Seminoles.

“The coaching staff makes me feel like home every time I come up there,” said Kirkland, the No. 475 overall prospect and No. 48 safety in the 2023 On3 Consensus. “From the head coach all the way down to the (graduate assistants) and just recruiting staff as well, when I go up there, they make sure me and my family, make sure everything’s good and make us feel like home.”

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Kirkland wants to be a part of turning around Florida State

In his first two seasons in Tallahassee, head coach Mike Norvell has an 8-13 record. However, Kirkland believes in the future of the program.

The three-star recruit thinks the Seminoles have a good 2022 campaign ahead of them. Part of that prediction is because of Norvell. Every time the two talk, Florida State’s head man tells Kirkland that he is willing to improve the Seminoles, no matter what it takes.

“That’s one of the things that catches my eye the most, how determined he is to bring this program out of the dirt,” Kirkland said. “You know, that’s what you want in a head coach. You just want somebody won’t give up and (is) gonna push to the end and just keep fighting.”

According to Kirkland, Norvell sets the tone of Florida State’s culture. He believes his energy, love for the program and “respect” gets carried down to each member of the coaching staff. This made an impression on Kirkland during his five visits to the Seminoles.

Another key part of Kirkland’s decision was Woodson, who has coached defensive backs including Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel II. Woodson spoke with Kirkland and his family often about football, life and how Florida State could help Kirkland grow on and off the field.

Tallahassee is already a familiar place for Kirkland since a few family members and close friends live there. He is looking forward to the day when he suits up in black and gold at Doak Campbell Stadium.

“Staying home in Florida wasn’t really one of my concerns, but it’s also a plus, it’s also on the plus side, (an) advantage that I get to stay home cause it’s close to my original home,” Kirkland said. “And I know I’ll still have that same feeling, that same support system from my city and the people in Florida State.”