AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
5-star defensive lineman Armando Blount officially flipped his commitment from Miami to Florida State University, he announced on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Armondo Blount @ArmondoBlount
This is HOME!!!! I have been discussing with family and I have decided that Florida State is where I am meant to be! I want to thank everyone who have been a part of my recruitment process. I am locked in with my decision 🙏🏾God bless. 🍢🍢 @Valentiauntrell pic.twitter.com/yGgJ9dTB4X
Blount is ranked as the sixth-best player and second-best defensive lineman in the 2025 recruiting class, according to 247sports.
“I feel like Florida State can develop me better as an athlete and as a person,” he said, according to Blake Baumgartner of ESPN.
The 6’4″, 250-pound interior defender is a pass-rushing specialist, able to beat offensive linemen with a unique blend of power and finesse. Despite his previous commitment to Miami, Blount reportedly visited Florida State and watched the team’s 38-20 victory over Duke on Saturday.
He also announced that he’s intending to reclassify into the 2024 class, according to Baumgartner.
When asked about his reasoning for making the switch between schools, Blount referenced the Seminoles’ coaching staff.
“The coaches, they told me they were ready to break me [down] to get me better, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said (per Baumgartner). “Coach Odell [Haggins] has developed a lot of D-linemen, brought them in to see [what they’re made of] and built them up. So [it’ll be good to be] in that situation.”
Florida State has produced multiple NFL-caliber pass-rushers in recent years, with Carolina Panthers edge Brian Burns and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat both earning Pro Bowl nods after leaving the program.
The Seminoles already have the sixth-best 2024 recruiting class, and that’s without Blount’s reclassification factored in.
Florida State is currently sitting atop the ACC standings with a 7-0 record. The program is undoubtedly in a great position in the present, and the future appears bright as well.
