OUR ATHLETES
As a member of The Battle’s End YOU directly contribute to FSU Football’s CLIMB by directly supporting more than 60 Florida State Football Players. Ensuring these players are able to maximize the value of their name, image, and likeness during their time at FSU gives Coach Norvell and his staff the edge they need to compete for championships.
Fentrell Cypress
Fentrell Cypress
Defensive Back
Returning for another season with the Noles, defensive back Fentrell Cypress is looking to lead the young secondary for the upcoming 2024 season. In his first season with the Seminoles, Cypress made 28 solo tackles out of his 40 total tackles. As a former Virginia transfer, Cypress came in having his best season yet being Top 5 nationally in yards allowed per coverage snap (0.53), and fourth in the Power Five with only a 4.5% open target rate.
“The relationships I had built were different from other schools, and the recruiting process helped
me a lot. Just the history of Florida State and DBU, that’s something that helped a lot with my
decision.”
Lucas Simmons
Lucas Simmons
Offensive Tackle
Redshirt-freshman Lucas Simmons from Stockholm, Sweden, is returning to The Battle’s End for the 2024 season. He comes in at a staggering 6’8” 313, and before coming to FSU was a top 75 recruit, ranked as the 10th overall offensive tackle. We are excited to partner with Lucas again and see him put his talent on display.
“I’ll be giving my all throughout my time at Florida State. I’m planning on being a Seminole for life
and I want to produce.”
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson
Defensive Lineman
After transferring from arch-rival Miami, Jackson did not receive a waiver to play in the teams 2023 season. Looking ahead to 2024 however, Jackson will have a heavy workload and look to make a name for himself in Tallahassee. Coming in at 6’6’’ and 300 pounds Jackson is a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.
“It feels amazing… I’m happy to be here playing in my backyard.”
Hykeem Williams
Hykeem Williams
Wide Receiver
The lone five star of Florida State’s 2023 recruiting class, Hykeem Williams, was one of the best players in the entire state of Florida as a high school Senior. In his true freshman season at FSU Williams played in 8 games, he caught 5 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. He is primed to carry a bigger role in the 2024 season, as a 6’2’’ 208 pound receiver Hykeem has major big play ability.
“Florida State. It’s all about trusting the process, and I trust in Coach Dugans.”
Patrick Payton
Patrick Payton
Defensive Lineman
Another big addition to the Noles in 2024, bringing Patrick Payton back was very high on the list of to do’s. A breakout star in 2022, Payton turned heads again in 2023, setting the record since 2014 for batted passes in a season at 10. On top of that, he also recorded 44 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks.
“We have one of the best teams in the nation. We have a great quarterback. We have great coaches,
O-Line, D-Line. I feel like we're going to do something special this year.”
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Kicker
Fitzgerald will be returning for another year with the Seminoles poised to make a big impact in special teams. Coming off of his best collegiate season, Fitzgerald went 19/21 on FG with a long of 48 yards, while also making every PAT.
Robert Scott Jr.
Robert Scott Jr.
Offensive Lineman
Standing at 6-5 and weighing 313 pounds, Robert Scott, an Arkansas native, showcased his skills in 7 games for the Seminoles this past season. His imposing presence and performance make him a valuable asset for FSU.
“I appreciate the opportunity to come back to a great coaching staff, and that means a lot to me.“
Conrad Hussey
Conrad Hussey
Defensive Back
Hussey played a huge role in his true freshman season, originally from the South Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas Conrad was a consensus four-star recruit coming out of highschool. He played in all 14 games for the Noles this season and tallied 22 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. He resigned with The Battle’s End for the upcoming 2024 season and primed for another great season.
“I’m ready to take the field with my teammates and show the world what FSU can do.”
Kentron Poitier
Kentron Poitier
Wide Receiver
Kentron Poitier is returning to the Seminoles for his senior season, eager to fill the shoes of Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman- both headed to the NFL. Poiter averaged 26 yards in the final two games of the regular 2023 season.
“I’m never going to doubt myself. I’m gonna keep pushing till the wheels fall off.”
Deuce Spann
Deuce Spann
Wide Receiver
The 6 '4 wideout from St. Petersburg is a swiss army knife in Mike Norvell's offense and special teams. He completed passes, rushed multiple times, caught passes, and even returned kickoffs for the Seminoles in 2023. With key departures on offense this upcoming year we hope to see Deuce fill some of those voids. He brings a spark to special teams in the return game and even returned a 99 yard touchdown against Duke last year.
“I feel like I can improve on everything. I feel like I can get stronger, get faster and just work on
my technique so I can be a better receiver than I am right now.”
Ja’Khi Douglas
Ja’Khi Douglas
Wide Receiver
Douglas has decided to re-sign for his senior year for the Seminoles. Involved in legendary plays like the drive to 4th and 14 in 2021 against Miami and the crucial 4th and 8 to get the winning score against Florida in 2023. Ja’khi has been a staple of the Florida State wide receiver corps for four years and looks to cap off his senior year with another successful season.
“We are very confident, we were confident when I wasn't there, whenever Winston Wright was there (due
to injuries). Bring Winston back bringing everyone healthy back you know were going to be dangerous.”
Darion Williamson
Darion Williamson
Wide Receiver
We are thrilled to announce a partnership with Darion Williamson for the 2024 season, he is entering his redshirt senior season for the Noles. Since he enrolled in 2020, Williamson has accounted for 30 receptions for 383 yards, and a touchdown. His first touchdown at Florida State came against Southern Miss this year and he will look to make a name for himself with the departures of some big name wideouts.
“We just believe in us, believe in the work that we have, so that when we go into games we know that
we have the confidence to do what we need to do to win. That just comes from work, we do it out here
on the practice field, we just go into every game with confidence.”
Lawrance "LT" Toafili
Lawrance "LT" Toafili
Running Back
Redshirt-Senior running back Lawrence Toafili is back for another season with The Battle’s End. Over the course of his tenure with the Noles “LT” has accumulated over 2,000 all-purpose yards and has accounted for 16 touchdowns. He looks to lead a stacked running back room for the Noles this season.
“It's our everyday challenge...trying to be our best. We just take it one day at a time and keep
improving.”
Caziah Holmes
Caziah Holmes
Running Back
Holmes, a Titusville, Florida native and Penn State transfer, shined in his first year of playing for the Noles. He rushed for 185 yards on just 29 carries, and added 58 receiving yards on only 5 catches. On top of that, he found pay dirt in the endzone four times. Caziah was the 5th ranked running back coming out of highschool in the 2019 recruiting class.
“I'm just trying to prove myself right instead of trying to prove everybody wrong. I'm just taking it
day by day. It's God's plan so I'm not rushing it.”
Omar Graham Jr.
Omar Graham Jr.
Linebacker
Omar Graham Jr. is expected to play a big role for the Noles in 2024. After playing behind Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune last year, he is expected to lead the linebacker unit with DJ Lundy. Last year, Omar played in all 14 games for the Noles and totalled 23 tackles, and 2.0 tackles for loss. We are very excited to have him on the team for this upcoming season.
“Iron sharpens iron too, just liked going against them, jordan and all the great running backs, tight
ends, and just all the receivers, and just all the looks they’re giving us it’s amazing.”
Jaylen Early
Jaylen Early
Offensive Line
Jalen Early made his mark in 2022, debuting for FSU in four games before redshirting. A consensus four-star prospect, he excelled at Duncanville, helping them reach the 6A D1 state championship game in 2021. His versatility and experience position Jalen as a valuable addition to FSU. Early played in 6 games for the Noles this past season and is looking to play a bigger role for the upcoming season.
“We can make a difference at Florida State. Show everybody that FSU can be one of the best schools in
the NCAA. I can’t wait to get down there.”
Maurice Smith
Maurice Smith
Offensive Line
Maurice Smith, a 3-star recruit from Miami Central, chose FSU for his football journey. In 2023, as a fifth-year senior, he played 12 games, totaling 679 snaps at center. Maurice looks forward to making a lasting impact in the upcoming season for the Noles.
“Everybody gave me positive vibes. They told me to just keep pushing myself, and I had to motivate
myself. LSU was a big game and I had to be out there.”
Shyheim Brown
Shyheim Brown
Defensive Back
Appeared in all 13 games during the 2023 season recording 53 tackles, 2 for a loss, 2 sacks, and an INT. Known for his diving interception against Duke, Brown looks ready to come firing out the gate and uphold the standard on the defensive side of the ball.
“I feel like i improved on a whole another level, my eyes done got right, I’m more consistent, I’m
playing faster, it’s a year ago so if you dont get better in a year then you know Florida State isn’t
the place for you.”
Kyle Morlock
Kyle Morlock
Tight End
Morlock made a significant impact for the Noles this past season, featuring in every game. A Georgia native, Kyle showcased his receiving skills with an impressive 19 receptions, amassing a total of 255 yards. His consistent contributions marked him as a valuable asset for the team. With Jaheim Bell declaring for the NFL draft, expect a breakout year from Morlock.
“Seeing the guys come back that really did not have to just shows what we are really trying to
accomplish here. I am glad that I can be a part of it and potentially help reach those goals.”
Greedy Vance
Greedy Vance
Defensive Back
One of the best returning defensive backs for the Noles in 2024, Greedy Vance has played in every game for Florida State the past two seasons. Totalling 34 tackles, 4 INTs, and 9 PDs, Greedy will look to lead one of the stronger units for this upcoming season.
“The process, the preparation throughout the week, the film study, the notes, just watching it come
full circle, you work hard and on the back end you get what you put in.”
K.J. Kirkland
K.J. Kirkland
Safety
A four-star talent, ranked among the top safeties nationally, he showcased his defense with 49 tackles and two interceptions, contributing to his High School teams success in the state playoffs. Known for his speed, he excelled in track, winning championships and regional titles. With a promising start at FSU, he logged 3 tackles in 5 games.
“Once you get to college (highschool) stars don’t really matter. That’s a whole different level of
football, you are playing against grown men. It’s just about coming in, putting in the work, getting
your body right and learning the scheme so you can get on the field and play.”
Brock Glenn
Brock Glenn
Quarterback
Tennessee native Brock Glenn is coming back for another season with the Noles. Glenn appeared in 3 regular season games, along with the ACC Championship Game and the Orange Bowl, where he got quality starts due to injuries. Glenn compiled 229 passing yards along with 22 rushing yards.
“After the year that FSU had it was a no brainer. Seeing what they are able to do on offense and
produce the amount of points that they do and put up the numbers they do, it definitely gets you
excited as a quarterback and makes you want to play in this system.”
Kevin Knowles
Kevin Knowles
Defensive Back
A Florida native, Knowles is returning to the Seminoles for his senior year. Throughout his career at Florida State, Knowles played in 38 games, accumulating 81 total tackles. Expect Knowles to play a key role for the Noles defense in the upcoming season.
“I’m having fun back there, I can see the whole field, able to see more then i can when I was at
nickel, It’s an opportunity for me to help my brothers, for me to help us win.”
DJ Lundy
DJ Lundy
Linebacker
DJ Lundy appeared in 13 games for the Noles this past season and has earned the starting role at linebacker. He is an elite run stopper and has even been featured as a running back in certain goal to go scenarios. Lundy had a great 2023 season totalling 54 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, and even grabbing an interception against Boston College. He has thrived in Adam Fuller's defense and will make a huge impact in Tallahassee this upcoming season.
“When the pads go on I gotta say DJ Lundy, we came in with each other, me and him just seeing each
other grow, it’s been a good thing man, he’s really surprised me.”
Darius Washington
Darius Washington
Offensive Lineman
A veteran of Alex Atkins' room, Darius Washington’s talents have been used in a number of ways for the offensive line since making his way to Tallahassee. He earned all-ACC honors this past season, and played in 13 games for the Noles. He is the epitome of a swiss-army knife and will look to add to his resume this upcoming season
“Being able to play all five just helps the team tremendously, say we have somebody that goes down,
we gonna have somebody to fill that spot, I can always be the next man up to fill in that spot, also
helps me just learning the offense and learning the game plan.”
Jeremiah Byers
Jeremiah Byers
Offensive Lineman
Byers, a transfer from UTEP this past season, is set to return for the Noles in 2024. Originally from Austin, Texas, Jeremiah played in all 14 games for Florida State last year and will look to build on a very strong season. Byers is the true definition of The Climb, as he was just a two star prospect out of highschool and now we can potentially hear his name called in next year’s NFL Draft.
“Coach Atkins said something at the second practice I was in, he said that, 'Every day out here is a
performance. This isn't given to you, so if you're not performing, I will put you on the scout team,
regardless of who you are.' That's what stood out to me, just willing to accept that challenge in
order to be successful.”
Joshua Farmer
Joshua Farmer
Defensive Lineman
Defensive Tackle Joshua Farmer won FSUs most improved defender for the 2023 season, and will look to build upon last season. He started all but one game for FSU and accumulated 32 tackles, 7.0 TFL, and 5.0 sacks. He will lead the defensive line this upcoming season and look to shoot his name up NFL draft boards.
“I knew I just wanted to start it. I wanted to be the one to help bring (FSU) back. This is what I
wanted and I'm all up for it, to help get back on top.”
Edwin Joseph
Edwin Joseph
Defensive Back
Coming from South Florida, Edwin was a part of a national powerhouse in Chaminade-Madonna Preparatory. He saw his true freshman season end with an injury, however we are more than excited to bring him back for the upcoming 2024 season and can’t wait for him to put his talents on display for Noles fans.
“At Florida State I’m gonna bring that confidence, and that energy I bring to the field, and effort.”
Blake Nichelson
Blake Nichelson
Linebacker
A top 150 recruit coming out of highschool, Nichelson was primed to make an immediate impact for FSU. He played in all 14 games for the Noles, tallying 17 total tackles, and one pass breakup. Blake is again prepared to take another big step in the 2024 season.
“When I came out for a game and heard the warchant, I just knew it was going to be different.”
Azareye’h Thomas
Azareye’h Thomas
Defensive Back
Panhandle native and junior defensive back Azareye’h Thomas is coming back for another season with the Noles. Thomas had 21 solo tackles along with 8 assisted tackles in the 2023 regular season. He will look to become a household name in 2024 and climb up draft boards.
“We’re very confident because we know the work we put in. When you put in work you don't have to go
out there and fear something happening because you prepared the right way, so we are very confident.”
Ashlynd Barker
Ashlynd Barker
Defensive Back
Ashlynd Barker, a JUCO product, started his career at Iowa Western before transferring to Florida State for his redshirt freshman season.
He played in all 14 games for the Noles tallying 11 total tackles, 1.0 sack, and 1.0 TFL. During his only season at Iowa Western, the team won the NJCAA national championship with a 31-0 shutout win over Hutchinson. He was also a two-sport athlete in highschool, playing both football and basketball.
“I feel like I can play a lot on the field. As far as length goes I feel like I can cover all over the field. I’m a good tackler and I feel like I fit right in on this defense.”
Cai Bates
Cai Bates
Defensive Back
An Orlando, Florida prospect, and consensus four-star recruit, Bates is a pass catcher turned pass defender with plenty of developmental upside. Given his length and tentacle arms, Bates is also a two-sport athlete playing both football and basketball for his hometown team Edgewater. During his senior season his team went 12-1 in Florida's new 3M state playoffs. His stats included 4 interceptions, and 7 pass-break-ups in just a handful of games.
“The best business decision from guys like Pat Surtain and Coach Fuller, those guys that have been there and done it, I feel like they can show me better than just tell me and I feel like they understand from a player’s point of view and I just feel like those are the guys I want to be around to develop with”
Charles "CL3" Lester
Charles "CL3" Lester
Defensive Back
Charles Lester is a name to watch out for. The talented cornerback from Venice, FL chose the Noles over Alabama and Colorado. His length and fluidity makes sure that Lester can keep up with the best of them. Although in high school his talent enabled him to play both offense and defense, watch out for an electric playmaker in Florida State’s backfield.
“I see the future here at Florida State . . . I know it’s only gonna be greater from here on out”
Destyn Hill
Destyn Hill
Wide Reciever
Coming in at 6'0'’ 193 pounds, Destyn Hill was a consensus four-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class. His true freshman season at FSU saw him play in 10 games and catch 6 passes for a total of 87 yards. The Noles will look to utilize this playmaker in the 2024 season and The Battle’s End is more than thrilled to announce a relationship with him. We cannot wait to see him grow and become a player that teams will circle whenever they come to town.
“I feel welcomed in Tallahassee and I’m ready to go”
Ja'Bril Rawls
Ja'Bril Rawls
Defensive BackPensacola native and cornerback Ja’bril Rawls is coming back to the Seminoles for his sophomore season. Rawls made two appearances in the 2023 regular season as well as the Orange Bowl with a total of 4 tackles.
Jaylin Lucas
Jaylin Lucas
Running Back
Jaylin Lucas, the brother of Ja’Khi Douglas committed to the Noles this past off-season after starting his career at Indiana. He is an electric and lightning fast running back that will also play part in the return game for the Noles. Lucas runs a 10.64 100 yard dash, and has returned 3 kick returns for touchdowns in his two years at Indiana.
“They had a great season last season, but I just felt like it was the best fit for me but i also wanted to play with my brother and just what coach norvell got going on here”
KJ Sampson
KJ Sampson
Defensive Line
North Carolina native KJ Sampson is coming back to the Seminoles for his sophomore season. Sampson made four appearances in the 2023 regular season as well as the Orange Bowl compiling a total of 5 tackles.
“Just knowing that where I wanted to be was what was right for me and just knowing that Florida State felt right and felt like a family here and I just wanted to be apart of it”
LaWayne "Weezy" McCoy
LaWayne "Weezy" McCoy
Wide Receiver
LaWayne McCoy, better known as Weezy, is a flashy and very fun to watch wide receiver out of Miami Central in South Florida. He was a four-star prospect and ranked as the No.6 athlete in the 2024 class. A two-time Nat Moore trophy finalist, awarded to the top player regardless of position in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties.
“Since I was a kid my dream school growing up playing at Florida State so that was really a dream come true for me but my relationship with the coaches got tighter and tighter… I feel like that was the best spot for me”
Luke Kromenhoek
Luke Kromenhoek
Quarterback
The consensus No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 class, Kromenhoek was recruited by many top schools in the nation. Despite a late push by the Georgia Bulldogs, he chose to stay loyal to the Seminoles. Starting his career as a quarterback his sophomore year of high school, the young signal-caller made it to the Elite 11 Finals in 2023 and was invited to the All-American Bowl. Kromenhoek’s rise was meteoric and this year he is going to begin what most project to be a career to remember at Florida State.
“I feel like this class is an unbelievable group of dudes, who you know; want to go and work for things, not have it given to them”
Tomiwa Durojaiye
Tomiwa Durojaiye
Defesnive Lineman
Philadelphia native and former West Virginia transfer Durojaiye will be joining the Noles this year, aiming to make an immediate impact. Tomiwa played in all 13 games for the Mountaineers, recording 23 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Nole nation is super excited to add the talented lineman to the defensive unit.
“I want to win a national championship in college, and I feel like Florida State is the place where I can do that.”
Marvin Jones Jr.
Marvin Jones Jr.
Defesnive Lineman
Former 5-star recruit and FSU legacy, Marvin Jones Jr played three seasons at Georgia before deciding to transfer back to his native state and joining the Florida State Seminoles for his redshirt-junior season. In his sophomore season, Jones succeeded in 7 solo tackles while also assisting in 5.
“Definitely was a lot of memories made here from being a kid seeing the pictures of my dad and stuff, you know being a big fan of Jameis and all those guys”
Landen Thomas
Landen Thomas
Tight End
One of Florida State’s biggest recruiting wins of 2024, the former top 100 recruit was wrestled away from the former two time defending champions, Georgia. As the third highest rated tight-end since the 2000s for FSU, Thomas is an electric player that is already projected to be a big part of the tight-end rotation in 2024. At 6’4” and 235 pounds coming out of high school, Thomas has the making of a star at FSU.
“I just knew where I wanted to be myself so when that time came I just made the decision and chose Florida State”
Kam Davis
Kam Davis
Running Back
The longest committed prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, and one of the top running backs nationally, is ready to make an immediate impact for the Noles. Davis has been committed since February of 2021, through the ups and downs of Mike Norvell's tenure at Florida State. He played quarterback in high school, and will wear number 3 for the Noles.
“Just to be able to get here it been a blessing, being committed three years it showed me that I had a lot of trust in the coaching staff and they had a lot of trust in me”
Jalen Brown
Jalen Brown
Wide Reciever
Brown, a Miami, Florida native, was a top receiver in the class of 2023. He took his talents to LSU before transferring to FSU in the offseason. Florida State finished number two in his recruitment and that proves to be a big factor in the new age of college football. He redshirted his freshman year and will now take his talents to the capital city.
“Florida State was always high on me in recruiting and it's just my home state, when I entered the portal I knew i wanted to come back to Florida and Florida State was in my top schools coming out of highschool so it was a no-brainer”
Jamari "TrackStar" Howard
Jamari "TrackStar" Howard
Defensive Back
A standout cornerback, Howard is a consensus four-star prospect, ranking among the top in his class. Positioned at No. 7 in the cornerback prospects for the Class of 2024, he's recognized for his talents. With impressive stats and contributions, Jamari is set to make an impact at FSU.
“I knew I was coming to Florida State and I knew I was going to be here”
Daniel Lyons
Daniel Lyons
Defensive Lineman
Defensive lineman Daniel Lyons is returning for his second season with the Florida State Seminoles. Appearing in four games of the 2023 regular season, Lyons went for 10 assisted tackles and 6 solo tackles. We are excited to announce a relationship with him for this upcoming 2024 season.
“When my family came up and I came up, they liked it, I liked it, it felt like home so I made a decision to not be too close or too far from home so it was perfect”
BJ Gibson
BJ Gibson
Wide Reciever
A Georgia native and freshman wide receiver, Gibson is known for his big play ability. Originally committed to Tennessee to play baseball, BJ will look to do both for the Noles in Tallahassee. He was a four-year starter on both offense and defense for Wilcox County, and earned all-region honors for his senior season.
“Florida State has been on me the hardest throughout my whole recruitment process ever since I opened up again in January… I have the best relationship with Coach Norvell and Coach Dugans and that kind of you know made my decision a no brainer”
Vandrevius Jacobs
Vandrevius Jacobs
Wide Reciever
After an explosive start at FSU with an impressive 2023 spring camp, Jacobs returns for another year at Florida State ready to make his mark. Jacobs’ explosiveness, ball skills, and refusal to give up on plays will prove to be a big asset to this young and talented wide receiver corps. If 19 is on the field watch out, he’s going to fight for the ball and will make the catch for the noles.
“Florida State was with me when I wasn’t even highly recruited like that was one of my first big offers so it was just like the trust that they had in me and that they believed in me to progress and get better”
