The biggest need on Florida State's roster on the cusp of summer is on the back end of the defense. After losing Omarion Cooper and Travis Jay to the NCAA Transfer Portal following spring practice, the Seminoles were left with just two scholarship safeties that have experience at the college level - Akeem Dent and Shyheim Brown.
The coaching staff has been exploring the transfer portal and junior college market to fill the hole.
On Friday afternoon, UAB safety transfer Jaylen Key announced that he was committing to Alabama over Florida State and Ole Miss. Key is coming off an Official Visit to Tuscaloosa after checking out Tallahassee last weekend.
This is a pretty big loss for the Seminoles as Key was arguably the most talented safety available on the transfer market. With that being said, Alabama has had nine safeties drafted since 2015, including three in the recent 2023 NFL Draft.
Florida State will continue to scour the portal for help while kicking the tires on at least one junior college prospect. JUCO safety Ashlynd Barker is set to begin an official visit to Florida State later today. It wouldn't be surprising to see him join the fold if the trip goes as planned.
The local ties didn't end up playing in Florida State's favor during this recruitment. He grew up in nearby Quincy and played his prep ball at local Godby High School. Key was coached by Corey Fuller, who is now the Director of Football Relations at Florida State, and is familiar with defensive tackle Darrell Jackson.
Key spent five seasons at UAB and is coming off a breakout year in 2022 where he recorded a career-high 60 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. During his time with the Blazers, he appeared in 43 games, totaling 74 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection.
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