Poaching Season in College Football is in Full Swing—And Clemson Might Be the Next Victim
In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, loyalty is tested, promises are reconsidered, and top programs fight tooth and nail to secure the best talent. Right now, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney might be feeling the heat as one of his prized recruits, four-star defensive back Shavar Young Jr., has caught the attention of a very determined suitor—Florida State head coach Mike Norvell.
A Bold Move from Norvell—But Is It Too Late?
Young, a 6-foot, 180-pound athlete, has long been on the radar of powerhouse programs across the country. Schools like Georgia, Michigan, and Penn State all made their pitches, but in August 2023, the talented DB pledged his future to Clemson. That should have put an end to the recruitment battle—but not so fast.
On February 17, Young dropped a bombshell on Twitter:
“FSU offered @Coach_Norvell @PrestonB49 @_DJDaniels @FSUCoachTW @psurtain23.”
Shortly after, On3 Recruits analyst Chad Simmons confirmed the news, adding fuel to the speculation that Norvell is making an aggressive late push to flip Young’s commitment and bring him to Tallahassee.
The question is: Can Florida State actually pull it off?
Why Florida State Wants Shavar Young Jr. So Badly
Norvell’s interest in Young isn’t just a last-ditch recruiting stunt—it’s a necessity.
Florida State is in desperate need of a defensive game-changer. Their rushing defense ranks 130th out of 134 teams, giving up an average of 80.5 yards per game—a shocking decline from the 150-yard average they boasted in 2023.
The secondary hasn’t fared much better. Florida State’s defense has been torched for 398.8 yards per game, and in six matchups this season, they’ve given up over 400 yards. If the Seminoles are going to turn things around, they need elite talent—and fast.
Enter Shavar Young Jr., a versatile defensive back with game-changing ability. His impressive career stats back up the hype:
- 17 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and 1 interception on defense.
- 84 receptions for 1,130 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on offense.
A player of Young’s caliber could be a program-altering addition for the Seminoles. But the real question is: Why would he risk leaving a stable Clemson program for a struggling FSU squad?
Florida State’s Fall from Grace: A Red Flag for Recruits?
Not long ago, Florida State was riding high.
In 2023, Norvell’s squad ran the table, finishing the season 13-0 and capturing the ACC Championship. The Seminoles looked like a dominant force, a destination program on the rise.
Fast forward to 2024, and it’s an entirely different story.
- Florida State collapsed to a dismal 2-10 record.
- They became the first preseason top-10 team in history to start 0-3—against unranked opponents.
- Speculation swirled that Norvell would be fired, with whispers of an enormous $65 million buyout hanging over his head.
FSU ultimately chose to retain Norvell, likely due to the astronomical financial hit they’d take by letting him go. But make no mistake—the pressure is on.
With the program on shaky ground, how can Norvell convince a star recruit like Young to take a leap of faith?
Clemson commit picks up an offer from FSU. @Warchant https://t.co/3em49dKgNZ
— ChadSimmons (@ChadSimmons_) February 18, 2025
Recruiting Expert Weighs In: Is FSU Building Toward Something Bigger?
Budd Elliott, a prominent 247Sports analyst, spoke candidly about FSU’s trajectory on the 247Sports podcast. His take? Florida State may improve, but they aren’t a serious national title contender anytime soon.
“Yeah, you can’t follow up a 2-10 year by going like 4-8 or 5-7. I think they’ll have to bounce back because they’ve done a decent job in the transfer portal. But I certainly don’t think they’re really building towards a national title,” Elliott remarked.
This raises the stakes for Norvell’s recruitment of Young. If the FSU coach can’t promise an immediate turnaround, why would Young risk leaving a nationally stable Clemson team for an uncertain FSU future?
Final Verdict: Can Norvell Pull Off a Recruiting Heist?
Florida State is swinging for the fences in its attempt to flip Shavar Young Jr. from Clemson to Tallahassee.
- If Norvell succeeds, it would be a statement win—a sign that despite the program’s struggles, FSU still has pull with top-tier recruits.
- If he fails, it only highlights the instability surrounding the program—making it even harder to land high-profile talent in the future.
At the moment, Clemson still holds the edge. But in the world of college football recruiting, nothing is set in stone until signing day.
The ball is in Young’s court. Will he stick with Clemson’s stability, or will he take a gamble on a Seminoles program desperate for a savior?
Either way, this recruiting battle is far from over—and fans should expect plenty of twists before the final whistle blows.
