Four-star Oregon defensive back commit Xavier Lherisse grew up a Florida State fan.
The Seminoles offered Lherisse during their home game against Memphis last season but, beyond that offer, a firm relationship never seemed to develop. Since then, the four-star has pulled the trigger on a commitment to Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks — a long way from home.
The Seminoles' message to Lherisse during his first trip back to Tallahassee since being offered: 'The best talent in Florida, stay in Florida."
"It's been really cool being able to talk with the coaches. I was getting recruited by the old coaching staff but everybody is new now. So just getting to talk to everyone and know everyone — see how they run things," Lherisse said on his visit.
New safeties coach Evan Cooper has been leading the way in Lherisse's recruitment by Florida State, and the Seminoles have picked up communication heavily just after Lherisse pledged to the Ducks in late February.
"He's a cool person, he knows what he is talking about. He knows how to put me in the best position. A cool person," Lherisse said of Cooper.
"It's been starting to pick up heavy recently. They've been checking on me a couple times a week. Right around when I committed they started to pick it up," he added.
Lherisse got to take in the Seminoles' second scrimmage of the spring on Saturday — something that he had not had a chance to see prior. Growing up a Florida State fan, Lherisse had been to camps and games, but watching the Seminoles work was another notch on the bucket list.
"When I was little I came to all the camps and the games, it's just cool being able to actually see players playing here. It's really cool," he said. "Just seeing how they use five DBs on the field at all times and how they all move around showing how versatile it is. I could see myself going there, playing safety, nickel, and maybe if I could go to corner, I could do that."
Florida State is one of the multiple programs trying to steer Lherisse off his decision to play for the Ducks. Penn State, Auburn, Notre Dame and Florida State all have locked in official visits with the four-star for the summer. Lherisse will be on Florida State's campus for his official visit on June 20.
What are the Seminoles' chances of catching up and turning things in their favor?
"I'm still locked in with the Ducks right now but for sure they could find a way to show some love," Lherisse said. "Maybe things can happen, but for right now I'm locked in with the Ducks."
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