Keon Coleman discusses relationship with Florida State staff, decision to transfer

There was no shortage of suitors for Keon Coleman when the junior wide receiver entered the transfer portal this spring. But a relationship with the Florida State staff that carried over from his high school recruitment ultimately won out as Coleman ended up in Tallahassee.

While Coleman originally chose to play for Michigan State out of high school, his relationship with FSU head coach Mike Norvell and his assistants didn’t sour. And when he entered the transfer portal, Coleman found that he picked things right back up with Norvell and Co.

“Because coach [Ron] Dugans, coach Norvell, coach [Alex] Atkins, I loved those guys coming out and loved what they were trying to do,” Coleman said. “And things didn’t work out on the front end, but it happened for a reason this time. They made it very smooth, knowing that I had a previous relationship with them.”

Some other factors came into play as Coleman considered his options.

When examining the wealth of talent returning for Florida State and the way the Seminole played, Coleman decided it’s where he wanted to go.

“And you know, they have a great quarterback, great receiver room. And most of all, I love the coaching staff, man. They’ve got 90 percent of the team coming back this year, so we have a chance to do something very special and I just wanted to be a part of that,” Coleman said.

In 12 games in 2022, Coleman caught 58 passes for 798 yards and seven touchdowns on a struggling Spartans squad. And on tape, he showed the ball-winning traits and top-tier athleticism to project as a true outside receiver in the NFL. He’s betting on himself and Florida State to make that possibility a reality.

Playing with quarterback Jordan Travis appealed to Coleman

Coleman will be yet another big target for quarterback Jordan Travis, who returns as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

Having the opportunity to play with Travis was one of the key selling points for Florida State when it came to the Coleman recruitment. The big receiver wanted to play in the south and he wanted to play with a quality team.

“Really in the recruitment process there wasn’t much to be said,” Coleman. “The tape speaks for itself, really. And everybody wants to play with a great quarterback. He threw some very good things very well and I would love for him to be throwing me the ball too.”