The Seminoles already landed the top available junior college quarterback earlier in January. But FSU is also thinking about the 2027 class, including pursuing this blue chip QB.
Florida State has Miami and others to catch on the recruiting trail. The Seminoles already hosted multiple defenders who are verbally committed to other Power Four powerhouses in Jabarrius Garror (Alabama) and Cameron Pritchett (Oregon).
But quarterback is another position involving a flip attempt on FSU's side.
Zach Blostein of Noles247 revealed new recruiting intel Thursday involving some of the 2027 high school quarterback targets. Texas A&M Jayce Johnson is one very much on the Seminoles' radar.
"Jayce Johnson is the most local of Florida State's quarterback targets, playing his high school football just a few hours from Tallahassee at Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes. He's currently committed to Texas A&M, pledging to the Aggies last year, but the Seminoles have not given up in his recruitment," Blostein wrote.
How proactive are the likes of Mike Norvell, incoming QB coach Austin Tucker, and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn in his recruitment?
"The coaching staff recently stopped by his high school to see him and they're working to get him to campus later this month for a Junior Day," Blostein said.
Johnson brings significant intangibles that cements his four-star ranking and explains why so many power conference schools are onto him. Blostein says Johnson is still a developmental project, though.
"If you dig into the film on Johnson, he's still developing as a passer, finishing with 1,182 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and four INTs as a junior, however he is a true dual threat quarterback, rushing for 658 yards and 14 touchdowns on 108 carries," Blostein said. "That's appealing to FSU as Gus Malzahn offenses thrive with a quarterback who can pose a real threat in the running game."
Johnson is the nation's No. 3 ranked QB per 247Sports composite. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports surfaced as another high on the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder.
"Physically advanced quarterback that can beat defenses with his arm and legs," Ivins began. "Needs to get more consistent with his ball placement, but can generate easy torque and has flashed the ability to make some high-level throws to the second and third levels."
Ivins adds how Johnson: "Will extend plays with dynamic movements in the pocket and can move the chains on RPOs with his contact balance."
Johnson chose the College Football Playoff team Aggies on Aug. 3, before Texas A&M went on its postseason run. The Aggies immediately have fans believing Johnson will become the heir apparent to Marcel Reed.
But FSU is clearly looking at keeping Johnson within its recruiting corridor.
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