The Florida State football program has done well for itself on the recruiting trail, despite winning just seven games the past two seasons. Mike Norvell has landed the commitments of five 4-star recruits within the last five weeks, including one from Georgia safety Ta’Shawn Poole. On Friday, Poole committed to the Seminoles over offers from Georgia and Tennessee.
Poole believes Florida State is the best place for him to continue his football journey at the next level. “I actually cried so that’s how I knew it was the right choice,” said Poole.
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As a result, the Seminoles 2027 class jumped up to No. 40 in the team rankings, according to 247 Sports.
Hudson Standish, 247 Sports National Analyst filed this scouting report on Poole:
Three-phase impact playmaker set to become the first prospect from his high school (est. 2008) to sign at the Power Four level.
Rangy safety with ideal size hovering around 6-foot-1.5, 190 pounds with a +6 wingspan and ideal combine testing metrics.
Offers plenty of alignment flexibility, as he can feasibly line up over the slot, in the box, or as a split-safety.
Handled himself well in one-on-one coverage at the 2026 Under Armour All-America game and on the offseason camp circuit. Smothers receivers and tight ends in man coverage, and will flash the playmaking instincts from his time at wide receiver at the catch point.
Quickly diagnoses and closes the distance to squeeze run lanes. Plays with violent conviction, which will lead to poor angles at times.
Must continue improving block evasion and destruction in pursuit of the football. – Possesses the range and anticipation to make plays in the deeper third as a split-safety. Reads the game well at the prep level, and flashed in a best-on-best setting, but will face a steep jump in play speed at the next level.
Profiles as a multi-year starter for a CFP contender with NFL Draft upside thanks to his blend of size, athleticism, and coverage instincts.
Poole joins fellow 4-star commits in defensive lineman Sam LeJeune, receiver Sean Green, running back Jayden Miles, and athlete Za’Kari Johnson who have pledged their services to the Seminoles.
247 Sports ranks Poole among their Top 100 (No. 85) and the No. 4 safety in the country. Poole also landed in the prestigious ESPN 300 at No. 43 prospect overall.
The Seminoles passing defense recorded just 24 pass breakups last season. That dubious result ranked the Seminoles at No. 127 in the FBS. However, Florida State did hold opponents to less than 200 yards passing six times last season.
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Elite talent like Poole can turn a defensive secondary around in a hurry, provided his commitment holds true to signing day, regardless of who the head football coach may be in 2027.
A lot has been said and written about Norvell’s coaching days being numbered. The 2026 season is critical for not only the Seminoles football psyche, but for the future of their talent base as well.
The State of Florida is among the “Big 3” recruiting territories (along with Texas and California) in the country when it comes to talented high school prospects. In this case, Norvell crossed the state line with Georgia and snatched Poole right out from under Kirby Smart’s nose.
Kudos to Norvell for keeping his head down and pushing through all the negative talk surrounding him and the Seminole football program and getting the job done on the recruiting trail.
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Florida State fans hope Norvell can do the same on the sidelines on game day, by having his team ready to play each Saturday, and get the job done on the field when it counts the most.
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