Three-star RB sets commitment date, FSU in top four

Florida State has bolstered its 2027 recruiting class significantly after landing eight commitments in June. One of them was four-star running back Jayden Miles, but the Seminoles are after another talented player at the position.

Three-star Asa Barnes received his first offer from FSU, and despite former running backs coach David “Yak” Johnson no longer being with the program, that hasn’t stopped the Seminoles from pursuing Barnes heavily. They have found themselves as one of his four finalists, as his commitment date has been set for 5 p.m. ET on July 29. Barnes will choose between the Arkansas Razorbacks, Tennessee Volunteers, USC Trojans, and Florida State.

As things currently sit, Arkansas and Tennessee are leading. However, FSU shouldn’t be taken lightly, as their persistence has kept them as a major contender.

“They kept recruiting me hard and kept showing interest,” Barnes told Rivals. “I can see myself thriving there too. Coach Norvell is going to get the program back winning, and I like my relationship with Coach Martin.”

Barnes was a beast during his junior year at Westview High School in Martin, Tennessee. He registered 1,775 all-purpose yards and scored 31 touchdowns. He helped the Chargers go 14-0 and win the state title.

Florida State wasn’t able to get Barnes on campus for an official visit, which certainly isn’t ideal. They should be given huge kudos for remaining at the top of his recruitment despite this disadvantage. The only question now is whether it was enough to land the 6-foot, 200-pounder as FSU looks to add another running back after missing out on three-star Marquis Fennell.

Barnes is the nation’s No. 538 recruit and the No. 37 running back per the Rivals industry rankings. In the state of Tennessee, he’s the No. 21 prospect.