Once committed to LSU despite considerable interest elsewhere, La Jesse Harrold reset his recruitment late on Thanksgiving evening.
Just days later, he took an official visit to Florida State and the program seized momentum over the following week. The Tampa (Fla.) Gaither four-star defensive end followed through with a decision to commit and sign with Mike Norvell and company on Friday afternoon.
"I’ll be signing to FSU," Harrold told Rivals. "It was a great fit and also everyone in the building was welcoming and its close to the crib!"
The reshuffled staff in Tallahassee played a large part in the pick, particularly new defensive coordinator Tony White.
"Had great conversations and they emphasized development and building a family environment," he added.
Of course the head Nole, Norvell, also worked into the close of this recruitment.
"A great guy," Harrold said of his future coach. "Full of energy and ready to get Florida state back to the standard."
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FSU has been arguably the hottest team on the recruiting trail this week, resurrecting a class once ranked in the 50s all the way up to No. 20 after this commitment.
The newest Nole plans on factoring into a pass-rushing role in due time.
"Just getting at least one percent better every day," Harrold said. "Everything will take care of itself. I bring length, explosiveness and motor."
Registering 18.5 tackles for loss and near double-digit sacks during a breakout junior campaign, the senior made the move to Gaither High in 2024 before an 11-sack campaign that even included a long interception return and a half-dozen other passes defended.
The top-20 weakside defensive end kept his message to the Seminole faithful short and sweet during his decision day.
"Nole family let’s work🍢," Harrold said.
