Five-Star CB Charles Lester III commits to Florida State

Five-star cornerback Charles Lester III of Venice (FL) High announced his commitment to Florida State Friday afternoon.

The 6-foot-1, 185 pounder chose the Seminoles over Colorado.

Lester on why he chose Florida State

“Since day 1 I was attached to the university and the feeling the staff give me shows me I’m there #1 priority in this 24 class. Coming off a 10-3 season last year with great players returning, the Tribe is headed towards victory. Also the 24 class we are building are special. There is no way I don’t want to be a part of this CLIMB.”

Relationship with coaching staff + their plan for him

“My relationship with the coaching staff is 1 of none. Beginning with the most important man on this team, Coach Mike Norvell! That guy had poured into me every second I was near that campus. Coach Norvell has a plan to use me on both sides of the ball.”

What it means to stay home to Lester and family 

“It’s an awesome opportunity, it’s not too far but not too close. My family and friends are excited because they will be able to travel not so far to watch me shine.”

Scouting Summary

“Two-way standout as a receiver and cornerback who has one of the more intriguing upsides among the 2024 cornerback group. Measured at around 6-foot-1, 170 pounds prior to his senior season. Has unverified length. Hip fluidity and ball skills stand out. Shows the ability to consistently and naturally catch the football away from his frame. Can flip his hips with ease in man coverage. Breaks on the ball quickly in zone coverage. Flashes a high quality short area quickness and excellent trigger to the football. A willing tackler with solid physicality and ability to play in the box. High level ball production as a junior, picking off five passes. Also makes plays at receiver, showing off his ball skills and change of direction. A tough runner with the ball in his hands.”

Lester ranks as the No. 20 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 4 player in the state of Florida.

The Sunshine State defensive back joins coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles’ top 15 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by five-star tight end Landen Thomas, four-star running back Kam Davis, and others.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $259K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.