Q&A with receiver DL Hardison, Florida State's first commitment for '25 class
On Wednesday night, the Florida State football staff got some good news as the Seminoles landed their first commitment of the 2025 class — Melbourne (Fla.) Eau Gallie standout wide receiver DL Hardison.
Shortly after announcing his decision on Twitter, Hardison spoke with Warchant about why he picked Florida State and what led him to Tallahassee.
Before deciding on the ‘Noles, Hardison racked up 23 offers from a variety of programs. But in the end, he said, his dream school has been Florida State from the start. He said he called head coach Mike Norvell with the news on Wednesday.
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Q&A with FSU 2025 WR commit DL Hardison
Q: Congrats DL. I know it’s a big day for you, so tell me why was it Florida State that got your commitment? What stood out about them?
A: So ever since Dalvin Cook went to FSU, they have been my dream school. And then when I went up there for a visit last year for a game, it felt like home. The players were all talking to me, coaches were all straight and treated me really good. Coach ‘YAC’ (recruiting coordinator David Johnson) and Coach Norvell have a great connection.
Q: Let’s talk more about Coach YAC. What was it that you liked so much about him?
A: What I really like about Coach YAC is that he’s very humble. He keeps it 100. He’s not going to tell you any lies and was so straight-forward from the start. He was also clear he wanted me to call him every week so the relationship was always genuine and I knew I was a priority.
Q: Florida State’s offense has really taken off in the third year for Coach Norvell. What have you seen from their offense this season, and how big of a factor was that?
A: They certainly took a big step forward this year. I mean they are passing the ball a lot. As a receiver, you always want to get the ball. And in this offense, the receivers are getting the ball in runs, passing game, all over the place. And they are playing together as a team. I know when I get there it’s going to be the same way.
I think the offense fits me really good because we run some of the same things with my high school in throwing the ball all over the field. We are a pass-first team.
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Q: Obviously, you grew up a fan of the ‘Noles. But what else sold you about Florida State as a program?
A: We haven’t got into the detail of everything. But when I went there, it was just different compared to anywhere else. When they first offered me, they wanted me to call them every week. I’m up to 23 offers now. The feeling with FSU was always consistent. I decided to do it now after talking to my coach at Eau Gallie and knowing this was the school I wanted to be at.
Q: Tell me about your game, DL. I just watched some of your film online, and the first thing that jumps out to me is your speed in open space and your ability to pull away from defenders. But what do you feel your biggest strengths are?
A: Really a lot of people tell me it’s my speed in watching me play, but I really believe it’s my route-running that is the best. I think I run crisp routes. I’ve always felt comfortable with route-running. I actually started off as a running back, but once I got to high school, my coach has been to the NFL, so he really got me right with all of the route-running. I feel very comfortable with route-running now.
Q: What specifically is good about your route-running?
A: The first thing I see if I’m one-on-one is this person can’t guard me. Then going through the route, I’m always looking to make a play. I really like press-man coverage because I feel I can win at the line every time.
Q: Does FSU want you as a receiver or running back?
A: Wide receiver.
Q: Finally, who did you call on the staff to tell them about your decision? And what was their reaction?
A: I’m very excited. I can’t wait to get over there. I called Coach Norvell, and he was really fired up. He said, “I’m really excited and I can’t wait for you to get here, and we are going to have a big party when you get here.” Hearing that from him, it gave me chills.
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