Top linebacker recruit de-commits from FSU Seminoles | Miami Herald

Florida State lost another recruit from the 2016 class when four-star linebacker Tyree Horton of Highlands Community College in Kansas backed off his commitment Sunday.

Horton, rated the No. 1 junior college linebacker by 247Sports’ composite rankings, thanked the FSU coaches on Twitter before saying he has de-committed “to make sure that I make the best possible decision for my future in becoming a man and developing as a student athlete.”

Horton is the third blue-chip recruit to de-commit from FSU in the past two months, joining tight end Isaac Nauta and receiver Keith Gavin. FSU, though, received a verbal commitment from tight end Naseir Upshur after losing Nauta. FSU’s 2016 class is ranked No. 3 by 247Sports and No. 4 by Rivals.

The Seminoles still have three linebacker commitments: Josh Brown from Charlotte, N.C.; Jamal Couch from Phenix City, Ala.; and Emmett Rice from Miami Norland. Brown and Couch are four-star prospects while Rice is a three-star.

Linebackers the Seminoles continue to pursue: Devin Bush Jr. of Hollywood-Flanagan, the No. 10 inside linebacker in the country according to 247Sports composite; Houston’s Dontavious Jackson, ranked as the fifth best inside linebacker and Keion Joyner of Havelock, N.C.

The position is one of the thinnest on the team this season with two senior starters Terrance Smith and Reggie Northrup being backed up by junior college transfer Lorenzo Phillips and sophomore Ro’Derrick Hoskins, who has been a pleasant surprise since the season started. Backup Tyrell Lyons, a sophomore, was lost for the season last week after tearing a knee ligament.