Sam LeJeune is a four-star defensive lineman from Poplarville, Mississippi, and he’s one of the top players at his position in the country.
He strongly considered the Cal Golden Bears and Washington Huskies, but several visits to get to know the Florida State Seminoles really made an impact on him.
He developed relationships with Mike Norvell and his staff, so when the time came to take the official visit in mid-June, he already knew them well.
“My best relationships would have to be with Coach [Terrance] Knighton, Coach Norvell, Coach [Tony] White, and Coach Odell Haggins made a big impact on my decision,” LeJeune told Rivals.
Sam LeJeune believes in Mike Norvell and the Florida State Seminoles
It has been a rough two seasons for Norvell and the Seminoles. After going 13-1 in 2023, FSU went 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025.
Norvell very well could be on the hot seat in Tallahassee, but LeJeune believes in his ability to bring the Seminoles back to the top.
“I have faith,” he said. “They’ve got a good receiving corps, great running backs and talented players. I truly believe they’re going to have a good team. The defense will be better, and Coach Norvell knows how to win.”
Getting big recruiting wins like this will help Norvell stay in the good graces of the powers that be in Tallahassee.
LeJeune is the No. 11 defensive line recruit in the 2027 class. Florida State made him a priority on the recruiting trail, and Norvell, more than anything, made the four-star know just how much the Seminoles wanted his commitment.
“One thing he always says is, ‘I want to coach you,’” LeJeune explained of Norvell. “He doesn’t negative recruit or talk bad about other schools. That’s why I like him so much. He is a great coach, he was a big part of my recruitment and I just love who he is.”
