The new Seminoles linebacker coach has taken a liking to a towering talent who could be a contender for LB down the road.
Florida State made a strong impression on a growing 6-foot-4 defensive back thanks to Ernie Sims.
The linebacker coach and Seminoles great Sims managed to impress Gabriel Player of Eau Gaillie High School in Melbourne, Florida, who's a rare towering safety who could contend for linebacker at the college level.
Player told Noles247 that he enjoyed the atmosphere Sims helped provide in Tallahassee.
"The experience was great. The coaches were welcoming," Player said to Zach Blostein. "I love the atmosphere. I loved how the intense the practice was -- how the coaches were not letting anybody slack off. Trying to push everybody to their best ability."
It wasn't just the practice vibe that won over Player. But also the conversation he held with Sims and the rest of the FSU staff. They also outlined the kind of vision the Seminoles see out of Player.
"Talking to them, they said they see me as an all around guy," Player said. "They can use me in the box, on the line, blitzing, dropping back in zone -- they see me everywhere."
Again, the FSU star linebacker of the early 2000s Sims was able to connect with Player.
"I talked to him before and we already had a connection before I came here and talking to him, it just made me see how he feels for my future and what he can do for me to help develop my game," Player said of Sims.
Player additionally observed how Sims coaching and took a liking into his fiery side.
"I loved how intense he was and it was like he was on the field too with the players," he said of Sims. "If there was a big play, he was right there with them in the offense's face talking."
Player sits at 33 total offers despite holding no star ranking from 247Sports. On3/Rivals already lists the future LB as a four-star and the nation's No. 20 ranked linebacker for the 2028 class.
Is FSU, however, already the front runner among his list of school options?
"Right now, I don't really know but FSU is definitely up there," he said.
As a sophomore in 2025, he totaled 59 tackles, 10 TFLs, two sacks, two INTs and three forced fumbles. Hence why his recruitment has blown up.
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