How Florida State won four-star DL over Nebraska, Arkansas

Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell went all the way across the country to snag defensive lineman James Carrington.

Carrington, who checks in at 6-foot-2, 257 pounds, is a four-star from Irvine, California (Crean Lutheran High School). He's ranked as the No. 41 defensive lineman in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. 

Carrington took an official visit to Florida State this past weekend, and that was apparently enough to put the Seminoles over the top in his mind. That, plus Norvell's coaching style, which he believes will be a fit for him in the future.

"The unique energy and intensity that Coach Norvell brings every single day, will drive me to be better on and off the field," Carrington told Steve Wiltfong of On3.

Not to be outdone, defensive line coach Terrance Knighton and defensive coordinator Tony White also sealed the deal with Carrington over the span of the visit.

"They kind of said a lot with my role. Me being fast, a little agile, that is kind of the defensive players they want," Carrington said, via Zach Blostein of 247Sports. "Just using me, on and off the field, that is something Coach Knighton was very passionate about. He's not just going to push me on the field, he is going to push me off the field."