Top-50 S CJ Heard believes in Mike Norvell, Florida State

CJ Heard has been committed to Florida State last summer, which came as no surprise for anybody connected to the three-star safety from the Peach State, who grew up rooting on the Seminoles.

Heard, a top-50 safety on On3, has also drawn the attention of Michigan, Arkansas, Arizona State, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Oregon, among others still pledging to the ‘Noles.

He’s still solid in his pact with Florida State — largely because of the bond he’s built up with head coach Mike Norvell, who has maintained a leading role in his recruitment.

“I like Florida State and Coach Norvell,” Heard told On3.

“He’s passionate about the game,” he continued, on Norvell. “He cares about things more than football. He takes care of you as if you’re his son. Any problem you have, he knows how to address it. It’s a real family feel over there and that’s why I chose Florida State. I’ve liked them since I was younger, so it was an easy decision for me.”

New DB coach Surtain building rapport with Heard

Marcus Woodson was the Seminoles’ defensive backs coach who secured a commitment from Heard last July. Now, it’s Pat Surtain calling the shots in the secondary in Tallahassee.

Heard was the first recruit to get a sitdown with Surtain after he accepted a spot on Norvell’s coaching staff. That conversation left the 6-foot, 190-pound Georgia safety encouraged about his commitment.

“Coach Surtain, that’s a cool guy,” Heard stated. “When Coach Woodson went to Arkansas, I was a little bit shaky. I built a crazy relationship with him, but since he left nothing really fell off.”

“My relationship with him (Surtain) is building up,” he continued, on the new Seminoles’ new DB coach. “It keeps getting better and better and better. I was the first DB that he spoke to and they made sure that happened. I was in there talking for two or three hours about life getting to know him and meeting him, so that was good.”

“I’m locked with Florida State,” added Heard, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 52-ranked safety. “I love Florida State and everything about it.”

Michigan has some momentum with Heard

Several schools have remained in communication with Heard. That group includes Tennessee, Arkansas, Arizona State, Oregon, Oklahoma and Michigan.

The Wolverines have been persistent with Heard, who is expected to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this summer.

“I really like Michigan,” he said. “Michigan is a team coming really hard for me right now.”

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