Central 4-star recruit Armondo Blount reiterates commitment to FSU on eve of Miami game
Until recently Armondo Blount’s college future appeared destined to take him to Coral Gables- just down the road from where he grew up.
But Blount, a four-star recruit for national powerhouse Miami Central, recently said he felt more at home nearly 500 miles north in Tallahassee.
Rumors have swirled since about whether Blount is still torn between his hometown University of Miami Hurricanes, who he had been committed to for a little over a month, or Florida State - the school he flipped his commitment to on Oct. 22.
As both schools squared off in Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon, Blount reiterated to the Miami Herald on Friday night that he is set on joining the Seminoles.
“I’m locked in, I’m done. I’m committed to Florida State,” said Blount after recording two sacks and multiple tackles in Miami Central’s 31-13 victory over Miami Edison in a Region 4-2M quarterfinal playoff game at Traz Powell Stadium.
Blount, a 6-3, 250-pound defensive lineman, reclassified to the Class of 2024 when he announced his change of heart three weeks ago.
If he holds true to his pledge to FSU, Blount would add an impactful presence to a Seminoles’ program in the hunt for a national title this season, and ready to add what is currently ranked the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation by 247Sports to the mix next season.
Without Blount, Miami still has the 11th-ranked recruiting class for 2024 and five defensive linemen commitments including players listed as edge rushers. This includes one local standout in Miami Columbus’ Daylen Russell.
Blount, ranked the 39th overall recruit nationally in the Class of 2024, is one of three defensive lineman commits for FSU along with Miami Booker T. Washington’s Jamorie Flagg.
Blount can make it official when the early signing period begins on Dec. 20.
Blount, who visited FSU two weeks ago and would join Central teammate and four-star athlete Lawayne McCoy in Tallahassee, insisted Friday he was set on the Seminoles when asked about the rumors he was still considering switching back to Miami.
He also said he didn’t think the outcome of Saturday’s Miami-FSU game would change his decision.
“I’m already locked in so it’s really not gonna matter,” Blount said. “It’s going to be a great rivalry game. I live for those types of games.”
Blount, who began his career as a state track and field champion and defensive line star at Dillard High in Fort Lauderdale, transferred to Central before this season. During his first two seasons at Dillard, Blount was a MaxPreps All-American and recorded a combined 29 sacks.
He’s brought the same versatility and ferocity to the Rockets’ defense with over 50 tackles this season, 10 sacks and a fumble return for a touchdown. His presence is a big reason Central is still very much in the hunt for what would be a state-record fifth consecutive state championship.
“Them boys (at Central) are like brothers to me,” Blount said. “From day one, I was never a stranger here. They brought me in like I was a brother.”
Blount said he has had similar feelings about the Florida State coaching staff since they began recruiting him, in particular, longtime assistant coach Odell Haggins, who coaches defensive tackles for the Seminoles.
“I feel like I fit in well with them guys and I feel like the coaches will develop me better as a person and an athlete,” Blount said. “Coach Odell Haggins, I have a relationship with him and the whole coaching staff. They’re always like ‘what’s up, Armondo’. I just feel right at home when I’m up there.
“With Coach Odell, I know he ain’t leaving if I go there. He’ll be there for all four years.”
