Q&A: 2024 No. 1 Kicker Jake Weinberg goes in depth about FSU commitment

The good news keeps rolling in for Florida State, and this time it comes in the 2024 class as the Seminoles land one of the premier junior kickers in the country.

American Heritage (Delray Beach) placekicker Jake Weinberg announced Monday he has committed to Florida State. Shortly after making his decision, Weinberg talked with Warchant about why he chose the Seminoles, his mindset as a kicker, and being a part of the ‘Nole family.

Q: Starting off Jake, I’m sure it’s been a wild day for you. But what was it about Florida State that really won you over in this recruiting process?

A: It was a huge blessing and I’ve been working really hard for this. Florida State has always been one of my dream schools, and my goal was to stay in the state of Florida. And Florida State always stood out. The staff believes in me, and when I was up on campus kicking and working at the camp, it was how the coaches treated me while on campus. It was obvious I wanted to go to Florida State.

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Q: You said FSU was a dream school, so when did that start for you? What did you like so much about them growing up as a young kid?

A: Yes, I’ve watched them a lot. My mom’s brother went to Florida State, and so we were always big Florida State fans. We watched the 2013 national championship. I’m also friends with Roberto Aguayo, and he was one of the best kickers at Florida State. So I always watched him. We haven’t talked much about FSU except how much he loves it, and when I’m going over there. But I know we are going to talk soon.

Q: What was the reaction like when you told Coach Mike Norvell and special-teams coordinator John Papuchis about your decision?

A: Yeah, it was pretty funny. So when they offered me and it was announced, I just wanted to talk with my family really quick, and then I told Coach JP I was ready. And he was really excited. Then we got Coach Norvell on the phone, and he was also all excited. It’s a great feeling knowing a head coach believes in me and is that excited about the decision.

Q: It looks like you will be joining a program that could be competing for titles in the future. How excited are you about being a part of the Seminoles?

A: It’s truly an honor, especially with how well they did this year watching their games. Then to finally be a part of it is special, and next year I think they have a great shot at competing for a national championship. I can’t wait to watch. I’m extremely pumped.

Q: What stood out about how FSU recruited you?

A: They made sure I was a priority, and it was a blessing how they wanted me. I also like how they run the practices and how they treat the special teams, and how important it always is to this coaching staff. That also played a role into my decision to pick FSU.

Q: This season, there were a couple of times where FSU had some tense moments with the kicking game and Ryan Fitzgerald, but Coach Norvell came right out and stood behind him and said that is my kicker. How did that make you feel as a player that is coming into the program at FSU?

A: That just shows how Coach Norvell trusts his kickers and players. Ryan is a great kicker and a great guy. I can’t wait to get up with him. I think he’s a great kicker and will have a great season next year.

Q: Tell me about your season this year in high school. How did that go for you and what can you tell us about your game?

A: So last year I had a great season. My longest field goal was 57 yards, and I also made five field goals. And the year before that I made 13 field goals. It was a cool year for our team, but we were really young. I did have a lot of touchbacks, so it was a lot of fun. On the five field goals, they were 57, 48, 45, 29 and 39 yards.

I would say my biggest strength is how I compete. I’m always thinking of what I can do. Even when I was at Kohl’s Kicking [showcase], and we were all battling for that No. 1 spot. I’m just locked in and totally focused. I trust my form and technique. I really put in the hard work.”

Q: Moving over to your mindset as a kicker. What goes through your mind before high-pressure kicks?

A: What I think about is every kick is the same thing. Whether that is an extra point, field goal or winning field goal. Seeing the same thing every time and trusting myself that I’m going to make this kick. That’s how I think about it.

Q: Shifting a little back to your commitment. What was it like seeing the reaction from the FSU fan base?

A: It was truly amazing. When I posted that, I probably got over 1,000 notifications. Just shows how much they like me, and that means a lot.

Q: Do you plan on enrolling early for 2024? That January? Also, when are you getting back over to FSU?

A: Right now I don’t know that, and I would have to see if that’s allowed with my school since it’s a private school. I am supposed to come over there [to visit] in January, so I should know a date soon. I want to get there as soon as possible.

Q: Do you know any guys already on the team since you have visited there before?

A: I’m good friends with Max Larson, who is a kicker on the team. I grew up with him and we trained together. I became friends with Ryan Fitzgerald, and he’s really nice. I also heard from the new long snapper coming in this year, Peyton Naylor.

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