Florida State Surges in Recruitment of 4-Star DB J’Vari Flowers Thanks to New Coach on Staff
In the ever-competitive world of college football recruiting, it’s rare to see a program make such a significant leap in a recruitment battle over a short period of time. But that’s exactly what Florida State has done in the recruitment of four-star defensive back J’Vari Flowers, who has seen his recruitment trajectory shift dramatically toward the Seminoles, and a major reason for this sudden surge is the addition of a new coach to the staff.
Flowers, a top-tier defensive back from the Class of 2025, had been receiving offers from some of the nation’s elite programs, including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. However, recent months have seen Florida State climb quickly into serious contention for his commitment. The driving force behind this momentum? A fresh face on FSU’s coaching staff—a defensive backs coach whose reputation and approach have made a lasting impression on Flowers.
Coach Corey Raymond, who was hired as Florida State’s new defensive backs coach, has been a game-changer in the Seminoles’ recruiting efforts. Raymond, known for his ability to develop elite defensive backs and his track record of success at LSU, quickly made an impact in Tallahassee. His history of coaching players who have gone on to excel in the NFL is an undeniable selling point for any recruit, but his ability to connect on a personal level with prospects is what has truly set him apart.
For J’Vari Flowers, who has expressed an interest in playing at the next level and dreams of making it to the NFL one day, Coach Raymond’s presence on the Florida State staff was the key factor in shifting his recruitment. Raymond’s reputation as a “DB whisperer” and his deep understanding of how to elevate defensive back play resonated strongly with Flowers, who has become increasingly impressed with Florida State’s ability to develop talent and create opportunities for success at the next level.
“Coach Raymond is one of the best in the business, and I see how he develops players and prepares them for the next level,” Flowers said in an interview. “The way he breaks down film, his knowledge of the position—it’s exactly what I need to take my game to the next level. I know that he can get me there.”
Since Raymond’s arrival, Florida State’s coaching staff has ramped up their efforts to make Flowers feel like a priority. Flowers has been a frequent visitor to Tallahassee, making multiple trips to the campus to meet with coaches, tour the facilities, and connect with current players. Each visit has reinforced Florida State’s standing in his recruitment, and the relationship between Flowers and the coaching staff has only grown stronger.
Another significant factor that has worked in Florida State’s favor is the growth of their defensive program under head coach Mike Norvell. The Seminoles’ defense has been steadily improving in recent years, and the addition of Raymond has only enhanced their appeal to top-tier defensive recruits. The chance to be a part of a defense on the rise, alongside a coach like Raymond who has a proven track record of success, is proving to be an enticing offer for Flowers.
Florida State’s pitch to Flowers goes beyond just football. The Seminoles have emphasized the importance of education, the culture of the program, and the family-like environment that exists within the team. Flowers has mentioned that he values a close-knit team atmosphere and a coaching staff that genuinely cares about the development of its players both on and off the field.
The shift in momentum has put Florida State in prime position to land Flowers, who is expected to make his commitment in the coming months. If the Seminoles can continue to build on this positive relationship with Flowers and deliver on their promises, they may soon add one of the nation’s top defensive prospects to their already-impressive 2025 class.
As Florida State continues to build momentum in recruiting.
