Florida State rising with elite edge, official visit in the works
· Yahoo Sports
Florida State made a scholarship offer to 2027 four-star edge Frederick Ards last January. He didn't make it to Tallahassee until this January for a Junior Day event, and FSU impressed him immensely while moving up his list of schools.
The Seminoles held one of their most important events of the year over the last few days, their Legacy Weekend. This is an opportunity for potential prospects to witness the day-to-day operations and bond with former players, and Ards once again enjoyed what Florida State brought to the table.
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"Today, it was the same energy as always. Coach Norvell, just a lot of work and it's a really high standard with the history FSU has. You've got to come in and work. Loving the presentation right now. Loving the environment," Ards said via Noles247.
Speaking of former players, one of the best defenders in recent memory for FSU was in attendance as Jared Verse made his presence felt. Of course, Verse is the perfect guy to interact with Ards after the stellar year he had in 2023 that led Florida State to a 13-0 record before being snubbed for the College Football Playoff.
Verse had six tackles and two sacks in FSU's ACC title game win against Louisville that season. So, he knows all about performing in big games at Florida State, and he dropped some knowledge on Ards when they spoke.
"That was great. Jared Verse gave me some advice on how to work on that pass rush and just techniques he uses to get better everyday," Ards said. "It was great listening to a guy like that."
Although Ards has been on the Seminoles' radar for over a year, new edge coach Nick Williams has had a relationship with him since he coached at Syracuse. That has gotten stronger now that Williams is at FSU, and he sees Ards as the top player on his board.
On this visit, head coach Mike Norvell was heavily involved as he preached to Ards about the high standards and expectations of the program. As he looks to dive into his official visit schedule, Ards is likely to add Florida State to his list thanks to the persistence of Williams and Norvell.
"The relationship I've built with coach Nick, coach Norvell. We've built that relationship over a span of time -- just calling each other, getting on the phone, texting. I've only been here two times and they've just made it feel like home," said Ards.
Ards has a long list of suitors. However, Florida and Texas A&M have been setting the pace for his recruitment. After visiting FSU, they have entered that exclusive group.
"100%. Love Florida State man. Go 'Noles," Ards said.
His junior campaign was a very productive one. Ards registered 73 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and one forced fumble at Jones High School in Orlando, Florida.
Ards is the No. 77 player in the country and the No. 11 edge per the 247Sports composite rankings. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder is the No. 9 prospect in the state of Florida as well.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU Football: Florida State moving up list for edge Frederick Ards