Note
Joyner was not able to commit on TV during the Under Armour game, and was apparently taping something with ESPN where he announces his commitment to FSU, but the audio was played in the press box like the other announcements had been.
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Additional note: FSU's punter commitment heard the pledge as well on the field
Original
2016 four-star outside linebacker Keion Joyner announced his commitment to Florida State. 24/7 ranked the four-star commit as the 214th best prospect and 14th best OLB in the nation. The 6'4 220 pound high school senior chose Florida State over schools such as Clemson, Auburn, and LSU. He had held an official offer from FSU for over two years and was visited by running backs coach Jay Graham in January, who recruits the Carolinas His scheduled official visit to Tallahassee was supposed to be on October 10th, however, Joyner did not make the trip.
There had been some controversy when Joyner was dismissed from his high school football team at Havelock High earlier in October, and his stock took a big hit. Current defensive ends coach Brad Lawing has a connection to the same Havelock High School, being a former coach, and was the head recruiter for Joyner. At that time, the North Carolina native was ranked as the fourth best OLB and 53rd best player in the country. In the seven games before he departed the team, Havelock had yet to lose a game. They finished the season at 12-1, losing in the second round of the playoffs.
One of the main reasons that Joyner has considered Florida State throughout the recruiting process is that the 'Noles stuck with him throughout his troubles that ultimately lead to his dismissal. Despite making his commitment, Joyner has said he will continue to make recruiting visits. He says his best attribute on the field is getting to and tackling the quarterback, however admits he needs to be more physical.
Joyner joins Florida State at a time where there is a need at linebackers. He joins four-star linebacker Josh Brown and three-star linebacker Emmett Rice as members of a 2016 Florida State recruiting class that could very well end up as another top five class under Jimbo Fisher.