One high-profile linebacker is drawing more interested in the Seminoles, all thanks to an FSU legend.
Having a Florida State legend on the coaching staff has benefitted the Seminoles greatly. Especially with courting a top-5 linebacker.
And this talent admits Ernie Sims is a big reason he's becoming more interested in the Noles.
Kaden Henderson is one of the most coveted LBs for the 2027 class. He ranks as the nation's third-best LB and already has blue bloods Alabama, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas A&M among those trying to court him.
Yet he tells Noles247 that FSU is winning him over -- thanks to the efforts of the newly elevated LB coach and past Seminoles legend.
"Coach Sims, he's doing a great job," Henderson said. "He's a relationship guy so we're just building that relationship. He's already been there so now he took on the linebacker coach role -- so I think that's a good thing for him. I'm happy for him. I love coach Sims."
Henderson performed some research on Sims too before meeting him -- realizing how he aims to become everything Sims became.
"He's done everything I want to do: Five-star guy -- one of the highest [ranked] recruits in the nation when he came out and he played in the league," Henderson said.
The standout from nearby Jesuit High in Tampa immediately feels honored by Sims' presence in his recruitment.
"Just knowing I could be coached by a guy like that just speaks volumes," Henderson said.
The 6-foot-1 LB becomes a massive recruiting coup for Sims and FSU if they win over the talented 'backer for the '27 class. However, Henderson cites two very aggressive schools trying to court him: Notre Dame and Miami.
"Coach Marcus Freeman has done a great job," Henderson said. "I am probably going to OV there. That's a great school."
The rival Hurricanes, however, are pulling out all the stops to land the LB.
"Coach [Corey] Hetherman is a defensive guru," Henderson said. "I've been in the (meetings) and he visited the school many times. He's been to the house and he has been showing me how much of a priority I am. They think I am the No. 1 guy for them."
Henderson adds: "I'm a Florida guy. They want me to stay in state. I've been in the meetings with coach Hetherman and seeing how much ball he knows and seeing how much I can get developed by him speaks a lot."
But FSU remains in a solid position for Henderson thanks to Sims.
ㅤ
Join our NOLES ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected