The Seminoles are watching some freshmen step up immediately during spring practices. But a past unheralded three-star is turning heads.
Florida State football is gaining an early idea of who can step up immediately ahead of the 2026 season.
But one three-star is emerging as a breakout surprise.
Head coach Mike Norvell pointed out which defender is turning heads during the early part of spring ball.
"Noah LaVallee has been good in three days," Norvell said to reporters Friday. "A forced fumble there the first day. Today he had a couple open-field tackles. Putting pads on people."
Noah LaVallee's recruitment
LaVallee wasn't considered the most highly-coveted recruit out of Walton High in Marietta, Ga. But he thrived facing some of the best talent in the Peach State.
Zach Blostein of Noles247 mentioned how LaVallee played well enough to earn some Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference looks.
"Noah LaVallee's recruitment was pretty simple. He earned a few early offers from Florida State, Ole Miss, North Carolina and Georgia Tech but his recruitment came down to the Seminoles and the Rebels," Sonnone said.
That means LaVallee turned down an Ole Miss team previously led by Lane Kiffin. Yet a family connection swayed his Seminoles decision.
"LaValele's older brother, Caleb, is a linebacker at FSU right now and that gave the 'Noles a big advantage in Noah's recruitment. They secured his commitment in June soon after his official visit to Tallahassee," Blostein said.
How Florida State envisioned LaVallee
LaVallee shut down his recruiting process early in June 2025, before his senior season.
His conversation with defensive coordinator Tony White helped seal the decision, which he shared to Blostein.
"Just how they view me in their 3-3-5. I could play really any position, that's what coach White also told me. He sees me as a really good fit for their defense," LaVallee said.
Brendan Sonnone of 247 saw right from the jump that LaVallee could fit FSU out the gate.
"LaVallee is an easy mover in transition, with the ability to shift from lateral movement to attacking forward with burst and control. The ability to accelerate rapidly is impressive, whether it's on the move or from a stationary position," Sonnone said.
Looks like per Norvell's words, LaVallee is giving FSU's linebacker core the said lateral movement and downhill attacking ability for the spring. He's clearly approached his first spring ball with a sense of seriousness and desire to play right away.
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