​Florida State has significantly strengthened its 2027 recruiting class by landing eight commitments in June, including four-star running back Jayden Miles. But the Seminoles are still pursuing another top talent at the position. Three-star Asa Barnes recently received his first offer from FSU, and even though former running backs coach David “Yak” Johnson is no longer on staff, Florida State has kept its push strong. The program has emerged as one of Barnes’s four finalists, with his commitment date scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on July 29. Barnes will choose from Arkansas, Tennessee, USC, and Florida State.
Right now, Arkansas and Tennessee appear to be leading, but FSU should not be overlooked. The Seminoles have demonstrated impressive persistence, keeping themselves in the mix as a serious contender. “They kept recruiting me hard and kept showing interest,” Barnes told Rivals. “I can see myself thriving there too. Coach Norvell is going to get the program back to winning, and I like my relationship with Coach Martin.”
Barnes starred for Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee, during his junior year, piling up 1,775 all-purpose yards and scoring 31 touchdowns as his Chargers went 14-0 to claim the state title. Florida State, however, did not manage to secure Barnes for an official visit, an unexpected hurdle that makes the program’s continued emphasis and presence in his recruitment all the more noteworthy. FSU deserves credit for remaining at the forefront of Barnes’s considerations despite this disadvantage, especially as the program looks to add another running back after missing out on three-star Marquis Fennell.
Rankings give Barnes a national profile: he’s listed as the No. 538 overall recruit in the nation and the No. 37 running back in the Rivals industry rankings. Within Tennessee, he sits as the No. 21 prospect in the state. As the commitment date approaches, Florida State fans will be watching closely to see if the Seminoles can convert Barnes’s high ceiling into a signing that reinforces their crowded stable of backs.
For now, Barnes’s recruitment remains a four-way race among Arkansas, Tennessee, USC, and Florida State, with each program trying to seal the deal before the July 29 deadline. The dynamic between Barnes and Florida State’s staff will be critical in the days leading up to that decision, and the outcome could have meaningful implications for FSU’s 2027 class as they look to continue bolstering depth and playmaking at the running back position.
Follow coverage for ongoing updates on Florida State news, notes, and opinions as this recruitment unfolds. This article originated on FSU Wire: Three-star RB sets commitment date, FSU in top four for better SEO.