Florida State's Seminole Legacy recruiting event earlier this month provided plenty of exciting developments on the trail. The weekend gave recruits an opportunity to meet a couple of legendary players that have come through Tallahassee over the last decade including quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive end Jermaine Johnson.
While Four-Star center Jason Zandamela has already been on campus this year, seeing former players return to the school caught his eye.
"Definitely meeting the past guys, the alumni, especially the brick ceremony where Jermaine Johnson cut the turf," Zandamela said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "They really do have love for the alumni so that meant a lot. Overall, just watching practice was good too."
Johnson only played at Florida State for one year after transferring from Georgia while Winston spent his time in garnet and gold under a different coaching staff. It spoke volumes to Zandamela that the duo remain such vocal supporters of the program.
"The fact that even with all the coaching staff changes that the meaning of the program is still the same" Zandamela said. "That meant a lot for sure. That means that if new coaches came in, they're just about what the program is about and that meant a lot."
The visit actually began on Friday evening when Zandamela arrived at Florida State to watch practice. He kept a close eye on offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and his unit. Zandamela was excited to see his former teammate and true freshman offensive tackle, Lucas Simmons, putting in work.
"I definitely noticed that Atkins coaches hard and he coaches them with tempo," Zandamela said. "They don't walk on the field at all, it's all fast-paced and everything. I really like it like that."
Head Coach Mike Norvell expressed that he believes Zandamela is a fit for the Seminoles. Four-Star quarterback commit Luke Kromenhoek also spent some time around the talented offensive lineman.
"He told me that he wants to build the 2024 class out of all of the programs and he wants me to be snapping for him hopefully," Zandamela said.
At this point, Zandamela noted that Florida State is his leader as he glanced at the Seminole Head adorning the top of the Moore Athletic Center. He's planning on sticking to his timeline of announcing a decision in July but said "it's going to be tough."
The Seminoles will host Zandamela again for the Garnet & Gold Showcase on April 15. He also plans to check out Miami, USC, and 'maybe' Oregon during the spring.
Zandamela will take an Official Visit to Florida State during the final weekend of June (25-27). He's planning to bring his father on that trip, who has yet to see the campus in person.
The 6-foot-3, 285-pound offensive lineman is regarded as the No. 141 overall prospect, the No. 8 IOL, and the No. 25 recruit in the state of Florida in the 2024 class according to 247Sports.
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