This new addition recently led Illinois State to the FCS national title game and is now the newest Seminole.
Florida State landed two new commits in the afternoon hours. But reeled in a big commit to close out Saturday night.
CJ Richard of Illinois State is the newest member of the Seminoles' class. He comes to Tallahassee fresh off playing for the Football Bowl Championship Subdivision (FCS) title game.
Noles247 reported Richard's commitment to FSU via the NCAA College Football Transfer Portal. He comes over after grabbing two interceptions for ISU.
Richard handed the Redbirds 36 total tackles, including 1.5 behind the line of scrimmage. But he became beloved for energizing the defense in creating a stunning FCS title run for ISU.
Illinois State entered a heavy underdog against North Dakota State -- the traditional threat for the FCS title. But the Redbirds pulled the stunner out in Fargo.
But there's a big reason why Richard's FSU arrival becomes crucial for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles coaching staff.
Secondary Earning Huge Help Amid Departures
Here's a rundown of who FSU is losing.
Cornerback Jerry Wilson, who's exhausting all of his college eligibility.
Safety Edwin Joseph, who entered the transfer portal.
Shamar Arnoux, who also leaves a CB spot vacated by leaving for the portal.
Yet arguably the biggest loss is Earl Little Jr., considered the top safety for FSU last season. Little drew NFL intrigue early on and considered leaving for the draft. However, he opted to place his name into the transfer portal as well -- bequeathing his rover safety spot.
Little leaves Tallahassee after collecting four interceptions and forcing two fumbles. He emerged as the breakout DB for what became a letdown season for the 'Noles.
Now Richard presents the first opportunity for the Seminoles to fill the rover safety. Richard brings a strong nose for the football and is non-hesitant to disrupt plays from his spot. Richard can step up and crash the line of scrimmage for Norvell and company.
He completes a stellar addition day for FSU. Florida State lured in JUCO linebacker Chris Thomas and fellow FCS talent in Stephen F. Austin offensive lineman Chimdia Nwaiwu.
Richard, again, becomes a pivotal addition amid a notable departure for the 'Noles and brings past national title game experience -- albeit at a lower level. But the CFB world has seen players from a lesser conference or division thrive -- a la Trinidad Chambliss at Ole Miss and Cam Ward at Miami, who started his career at Incarnate Word of the FCS world.
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