Elite 2024 CB Charles Lester III sets next visit to Florida State

Sarasota (Fla.) Riverview four-star cornerback Charles Lester III is arguably Florida State’s top target at his position in the 2024 class — and maybe their biggest recruit overall.

The Seminoles made his top five, which also included Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Ohio State. And now, he’ll return to Tallahassee for another visit this month, his eighth known trip to the school.

@FSUFootball march 10th🍢🍢🍢!CLIMB @Coach_Norvell

— 5🌟charles “CL3” lester III (@cl3slimee) March 1, 2023

Florida State has been a mainstay throughout his recruitment, and he told Warchant.com in January that he has been an FSU fan for his entire childhood.

“I’ve been a Seminole my whole life,” Lester said. “The past three years, I’ve been watching and hearing the things everyone was saying about FSU. ‘FSU is going down the drain.’ After this year, that’s how it’s supposed to be on the field, and it’s only going to get better. There’s still a lot more to be done. The 10-3 season they had, I think next year is going to be a special year with this team.”

He’s developed a strong relationship with head coach Mike Norvell, and is also building one with new defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain, who was previously the head coach at Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage.

“I talk with Coach Norvell a lot,” Lester said. “He’s a great dude. And out of all the head coaches I’ve met, he’s the most excited, energetic head coach I’ve ever met. He’s more about the kids than anything else. He wants every guy to get where they want to be; that’s what excites him more.

He is the No. 22 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Lester also ranks as the nation’s No. 3 cornerback and the No. 6 recruit in the state of Florida.