Showcase Insider: WR Elijah Moore puts on a show; FSU commits rave about new additions

The Florida State Seminoles moved into the Top 5 of the national On3 team recruiting rankings Saturday after four-star offensive tackle Manasse Itete committed to the ‘Noles one day after five-star cornerback Charles Lester did the same.

The excitement surrounding the Seminoles’ 2024 class was evident on Saturday as prospects arrived for FSU’s Seminole Showcase event.

There were around 40 prospects on campus, including five-star tight end commit Landen Thomas and other highly rated targets.

“It feels really good to be back,” Thomas said. “Just the family environment, the love I get from the coaching staff and the brotherhood I see in the locker room is special here. And I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Along with getting to spend time with head coach Mike Norvell and tight ends coach Chris Thomsen, Thomas enjoyed hanging out with Florida State’s other committed prospects. And he was particularly excited to see new commit Lester.

“I had a good feeling he would commit, but I didn’t know for sure,” Thomas said. “That’s a big one. He’s a very talented cornerback. It’s always big to have that kind of commitment join the family. That’s how Luke [Kromenhoek] is, always keeping in touch just to check on all of us. I’m trying to get [three-star defensive end] Tyshon Reed over here. … FSU is one of the top premier programs in the nation, so I just tell recruits FSU is the place to show your talents.”

Thomas closed the interview by saying he’s locked in, 100 percent with FSU. And he added that he’s expecting a big season for the Seminoles.

“I’m really excited to see them hold up to the high expectations, and I certainly feel they will,” the Colquitt County, Ga., standout said. “For me personally, I think they are making it to the College Football playoffs. I’m excited for this season.”

Another big recruiter in this Tribe24 class has been four-star running back Kam Davis, who was there Saturday to do his part in recruiting other top targets that were on campus.

“Today was great, just watching and supporting all the commits working out and just keep trying to add more guys in this class,” Davis said.

As one might expect, Davis was also elated about the Lester commitment on Friday.

“It’s always great to get another talented ‘Nole in this class,” Davis said. “Every time we get a new one, we make sure we cherish the moment and how excited we are to have them. I wasn’t surprised that Luke went all the way over there. He makes sure he’s always involved with every guy we recruit.”

Like Kromenhoek, Davis now has his eyes on five-star Georgia defensive back KJ Bolden, who is expected to choose on Aug. 5 between FSU, Georgia, Ohio State and other schools.

“It’s going good. I think we are in a pretty good spot,” Davis said. “KJ is a great guy, great player and has what it takes to be a great ‘Nole. KJ loves to work, and that’s what Florida State is known for. So I know he would take to heart the coaching.”

Davis also chimed in about all the buzz surrounding the Tribe24 class.

“I think it’s the way the program has changed,” he said. “We had a point where we were 0-4 and a lot of guys were like, ‘I’m not sure it’s ever going to change.’ But the coaches are putting in a lot of time, and the recruits are seeing the results. I think everyone wants to be a part of it.”

QB commit Jones ‘locked in’ with Florida State

FSU also had 2025 three-star commitment QB Tramell Jones participating in the Seminole Showcase.

“It was a great experience and it was great being back home,” the Jacksonville product said. “Just the interactions with the other recruits. A lot of them I knew, but just being around everyone. I got a chance to see the new receiver commit, Elijah Moore. He’s a freak. He can do anything.”

There are other schools still trying to catch the attention of Jones, with one of the big ones being the Florida Gators. But Jones addressed his commitment strength and did so as well with actions during the visit.

“I’m locked in, even though Florida is still pushing hard,” Jones said. “They tried to get me to come over today, and I said, ‘No, this is where I committed to.’ If FSU wants me here any weekend, I’m going to be here. With FSU, it’s everything. Great people all around, and I know it’s a great place that can develop me and the place I want to be.”

Four-star commit Moore enjoys big day at Showcase

The talk of the camp portion of Saturday’s Seminole Showcase was about four-star WR commit Elijah Moore, who put on a show in front of Florida State’s coaches. From winning deep routes and 50-50 balls for big plays to also showing off his route-running, Moore was very impressive.

He then talked more about that performance with Warchant.com

“It was great. I got a feel for the FSU soil today, and I felt like a Seminole today,” Moore said. “It was fun. Just knowing Coach Dugans (receivers coach Ron Dugans) wants me to be better and pushing me to get better. Telling me what to work on. He made sure I was coming out of my breaks, and also staying low.”

Moving over to the rest of the Tribe24 class, Moore was also quite excited about the recent additions of four-star OL Manasse Itete and five-star DB Charles Lester.

“I talked to him (Lester) this morning, and I could feel he was comfortable already,” Moore said. “And I said, ‘Welcome to the family.’ It’s big to get these commitments or flips from other schools. Let them know we aren’t here to play.

“I’m telling you, it’s something in the water down here. Come be Tribe24!”

Moore also reflected back on his verbal commitment from earlier this summer and his relationship with fellow four-star commit defensive end DD Holmes.

“Me and DD have actually been playing against each other since we were 10,” Moore said. “Played against each other in basketball, then football. We’ve got a good relationship. Now we are teammates. We are trying to get the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) guys. Definitely trying to get JJ (Jeremiah Smith). Coach [Ron] Dugans sent me some guys. Coach [Darrick] Yray sent me some. Any time I see FSU in the top five or top 10, I’m in their comments section. I’m coming.”

Moore plans to be at the FSU-LSU game in Orlando, the Miami game and possibly some others. He said he’s expecting the Seminoles to “make a statement” in the LSU game.

The talented playmaker wrapped things up by gushing about FSU’s wide receiver room.

“All I’m going to say is keep watching,” he said.

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