Jordan Travis defends Kyle Morlock after Florida State gains tight end commitment

Florida State has been on a bit of a heater recently when it comes to recruitment. Mike Norvell has snagged multiple commitments, including one from Fairburn (GA) Langston Hughes 2026 four-star tight end Xavier Tiller. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Tiller picked the Seminoles over Alabama and Auburn.

Tiller hopping on board brought conversation surrounding Florida State’s tight end play in previous years. Specifically, when it came to Kyle Morlock, who just wrapped up his eligibility this past season. The discussion got to a point where Jordan Travis hopped in.

Travis defended his former teammate, saying Morlock “gets a lot of hate.” He believes some of Florida State’s biggest moments in 2023’s 13-1 season came at the hands of Morlock. Not to mention the human that Morlock is off the field.

“Kyle Morlock gets a lot of hate,” Travis said via X. “He may not have had his best year in 2024, but dang man let’s not forget the clutch moments he had in ‘23. Great person and a great teammate.”

Morlock wound up playing two seasons at Florida State, totaling 26 games. He finished with 32 receptions and 404 yards, while never getting into the end zone. Travis mentioned the 2024 season in particular — Morlock saw his numbers drop from the previous year, catching 13 passes for 149 yards.

Travis was there for a good chunk of those games, playing in the first 11 of the 2023 campaign before going down with his injury. Their best link-up together came in a Nov. 4 win against Pitt, connecting four times for 80 yards.

Quarterbacks are always going to have their teammates’ backs. Travis felt the need to stand up for his guy when some of the chatter was getting to be a little too much. A nice gesture from the Florida State legend.

No matter a fan’s opinion of Morlock, the position’s outlook does look bright with the addition of Tiller.
He is the No. 222 overall recruit in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Winning the ball against schools like Alabama and Auburn may indicate a little more than what the rankings say, though.

The only bad news is that Florida State will have to wait a year before getting him on campus. A big win for Norvell to shore up the tight end room.