Five-Star Cornerback Charles Lester III Commits to Florida State

Five-star cornerback Charles Lester III has committed to Florida State, making him the second five-star recruit and the 12th blue-chipper to join the Seminoles’ class. This is a significant addition for Florida State, and here’s everything you need to know about Lester’s commitment:

Lester’s Rankings and Accomplishments

• Lester is currently ranked No. 19 overall and No. 2 among cornerbacks in the Class of 2024, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He is also the fourth-ranked player in the state of Florida.
• With Lester’s commitment, Florida State now has a total of 18 commitments in their class, which currently ranks No. 8 nationally.
• Lester is the 10th in-state prospect to join the Seminoles’ class, highlighting their success in recruiting local talent.

What a great day to be a Florida State Seminole!!!! #NoleFamily it was absolutely worth the wait #Tribe24 just got a #GameChanger coming to Tallahassee!! Future is bright #WhereStarsComeToSHINE #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/5ig5Qhl76m

— Mike Norvell (@Coach_Norvell) July 29, 2023

Backstory and Decision Process

Prior to committing to Florida State, Lester had also considered Alabama and Georgia. However, it ultimately came down to a battle between Florida State and Colorado. Lester confirmed on social media that these two schools were the finalists in his decision-making process.

Lester took official visits to both Colorado and Florida State in June. He then made an unofficial visit to Colorado before expressing his struggles with the decision on social media. Ultimately, he made the choice to join the Seminoles.

i still don’t kno where i wanna go ‍️ 28th next week i got to think fast ‍

— 5charles “CL3” lester III (@cl3slimee) July 22, 2023

Impact on Florida State

Landing Lester is a significant victory for Florida State, especially considering their previous loss of Travis Hunter to Deion Sanders’ Jackson State two years ago. While Lester may not be on the same level as Hunter, who was the top recruit in his class, he is still one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s recruiting class.

Florida State had signed five defensive backs in the 2023 cycle and already has four defensive backs committed in the 2024 class. However, Lester stands out as the first five-star cornerback the school has signed since Levonta Taylor in 2016. His addition brings both talent and potential for development, as well as the ability to attract other in-state players to join the Seminoles.

Last season at Riverview High School, Lester showcased his athleticism on both offense and defense, contributing as a receiver and making five interceptions throughout the season. With first-year position coach Patrick Surtain Jr. leading the 2023 FSU defensive backs, Lester’s local talent and potential for growth will be valuable assets for the team.

Impact on Colorado

Colorado’s 2024 class currently has only eight commitments, and Lester would have been a significant addition as the headliner of their recruiting class. While Colorado missed out on securing his commitment, their ability to compete with Florida State in the recruitment process demonstrates the appeal of Deion Sanders and his brand to top recruits.

Although Colorado’s slow start in this recruiting cycle is evident, Lester’s struggle to make a decision highlights the continued influence of Sanders and the curiosity surrounding the program in Boulder. Even finishing as the runner-up in this recruitment battle is noteworthy for Colorado’s brand. It remains to be seen if Sanders has any surprises up his sleeve closer to signing day, as he did when he flipped Cormani McClain from Miami.

Despite missing out on Lester, Colorado is still in good shape at cornerback with the previous commitments of Cormani McClain and Travis Hunter. While Lester would have been an exceptional addition, Sanders and his recruiting efforts continue to make an impact.

Conclusion

Charles Lester III’s commitment to Florida State is a significant addition to their 2024 recruiting class. Ranked as one of the top cornerbacks in his class, Lester brings talent, athleticism, and the potential for development. His decision to choose Florida State over other top programs demonstrates the Seminoles’ success in recruiting local talent and their ability to compete with prominent schools.

While Colorado missed out on securing Lester’s commitment, their involvement in the recruitment process showcases the influence of Deion Sanders and the curiosity surrounding their program. Both Florida State and Colorado will continue to navigate the recruiting trail as they work to build successful teams for the future.

Required Reading

(Photo: Manny Navarro / The Athletic)