Florida State pushing hard to flip Miami 4-star DL commit Artavius Jones

Florida State is rolling on the field and the recruiting trail right now, as the Seminoles sit at No. 4 in the AP football poll and hold a top-10 recruiting class in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

With all that momentum behind them, Mike Norvell and his staff are looking to close the 2024 cycle with a major bang. FSU has a handful of massive uncommitted targets, including five-star Daytona Beach (Fla.) defensive lineman LJ McCray, who is set to announce his commitment this weekend.

But the ‘Noles aren’t looking for just one addition on the defensive line. Four-star Blountstown (Fla.) lineman and Miami commit Artavius Jones is one of Florida State’s top flip targets. And he was on campus for an unofficial visit recently. And according to Warchant.com recruiting insider Michael Langston, FSU is trending up in a big way to flip him.

“This was one that I felt like the needle was being moved, where he was much more interactive with FSU fans afterward, chopping it up and taking pictures,” Langston said earlier this week. “You can tell there was a different excitement level the way he thought about FSU. I think the momentum is pretty strong with FSU. I think a flip is very possible. Even to the point I’d say it’s likely, based on how things are trending.”

Development is a major selling point for the Seminoles

Jones has been a top target for the ‘Noles for some time now after he picked the Hurricanes over FSU and UCF back in July. Last weekend marked his second visit to Tallahassee since he pledged to Miami. And FSU’s staff hasn’t relented on him.

“The coaches were talking about me coming here and how they are always happy and welcome here anytime, and to keep grinding, keep showing up to work,” Jones told Warchant. “I really enjoy it here. I love it. They have already hit all the key points. Just continue to win and showing the development is there.”

Florida State’s coaches won’t have to wait long for the next visit from Jones either.

“I’m actually coming back for the Duke game next weekend,” he said. “I don’t know the official visit, but I know I have to take one here. With FSU, Coach Odell [Haggins], he’s a fantastic coach and has guys leaving for the NFL every year. So I really like him a lot, a lot. How the development is with Odell stands out.”

Along with McCray and Jones, the Seminoles are also pushing to flip Florida four-star defensive line commit Nasir Johnson, who spoke with On3’s Chad Simmons about FSU’s efforts.