Four-star cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. commits to Florida State

Florida State continued its immaculate defensive back recruiting on Thursday with the addition of Asante Samuel, Jr., a 2018 four-star cornerback out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

Samuel Jr. had previously named FSU his leader following a Junior Day visit back in February and FSU maintained that lead following his spring game visit this past weekend.

The son of former All-Pro cornerback, Asante Samuel, Samuel Jr. chose FSU over offers from Miami, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan and many others. He was close to pulling the trigger in February but needed to make visits with his mother before making a decision. He narrowed his final list down to FSU and Miami, and officially announced his decision on Thursday.

At 5’9.5” and 166 pounds (measured at the Nike camp in Miami), Samuel Jr. isn’t the biggest CB in the world, but he is very talented. Florida State is extremely picky about cornerback height, and is rarely willing to take a corner who lacks elite length. But occasional exceptions have been made for special recruits like Greg Reid, Lamarcus Joyner, Nick Waisome, and Levonta Taylor.

As the son of former All-Pro cornerback and a St. Thomas Aquinas product his technique is near flawless, effortlessly changing direction to mirror receivers. He’s very good in off-coverage; recognizing what routes are in front of him and driving on the ball to make a play. Lightning quick with exceptional feet and hips, Samuel Jr. would be a welcome addition to any secondary. Check out his junior highlights below:

Samuel Sr. played 11 seasons in the NFL, including five with the New England Patriots, four with the Philadelphia Eagles, and two with the Atlanta Falcons. He is a two-time Super Bowl champ, and made the pro bowl four times. He played his college football at UCF.

Florida State’s class currently has a five-star commitment, three four-stars and four three-stars. It’s incredibly early for recruiting rankings, and they change often.