This tight end has the Seminoles delivering their own sales pitches to land him over the rival Hurricanes.
Florida State launched flip season early in the 2027 recruiting cycle.
Mike Norvell and one more Seminoles assistant have become fixated on a four-star tight end who's committed to rival Miami.
In the recruiting world, prominent CFB programs always aim to change the mind of four or five star talents right before they sign the National Letter of Intent. This scenario is no different for Demarcus DeRoche of Cardinal Gibbons High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
The 6-foot-4 target tells Zach Blostein of Noles247 that FSU is pushing hard to land the nearby talent -- even if it means swiping him from the Hurricanes.
"They really want me I'm pretty sure," DeRoche said.
Yet there's another hated rival to FSU pursuing the current 205-pounder.
"It's them and Florida who want me the most," DeRoche revealed. "It's kind of like a tie."
Who's been proactive on Florida State's side with running point on his recruitment?
"I've been talking to coach [Chris] Thomsen and Mike Norvell," he said of FSU's pursuit.
Norvell's recruiting has come into question by numerous FSU fans and even analysts. He's struggled to land five stars and even hasn't recaptured the same magic in the portal compared to the 13-1 season of three seasons ago.
Norvell, though, has leaned into newly elevated offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. to land big name recruits. Harris lured in four stars Efrem White and Jasen Lopez in boosting the wide receivers corps.
Is FSU gaining steam, though, according to Blostein?
"He remains committed to Miami, citing strong relationships with head coach Mario Cristobal and several of his staffers," Blostein said.
DeRoche added: "I'm staying committed. That's really where I belong most of the time."
DeRoche adds he's aiming to set up an official visit with the 'Canes and adds: "I really like them. I like coach Cristobal and Frank [Wilson]."
Blostein, meanwhile, is learning the larger picture involving Deroche during his recruiting process.
"I think DeRoche is truly giving other schools a shot in his recruitment at the moment. Miami being in the middle of a search for a new tight ends coach is likely the reason why DeRoche's recruitment feels commitment seems somewhat up in the air," Blostein wrote.
The 'Canes indeed have lost multiple coaches this offseason. Cody Woodiel left Miami for Ole Miss, where he'll be co-offensive coordinator and hold down the TE coach role.
FSU, meanwhile, added to its recruiting staff by hiring Mitch Ciombor and Gabe Fertitta.
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