Florida State staff visits 5-star DL commit Armondo Blount

Florida State and Miami continue to battle back and forth in the race for Miami Central five-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount.

The former Hurricane commit and current Seminole pledge remains a coveted prospect for both in-state programs. With National Signing Day less than two weeks away, the time to make that final impression is now.

Earlier this week, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and defensive ends coach Jason Taylor made an in-home visit to Blount. On Thursday, FSU followed suit with a quartet of its staff — HC Mike Norvell, co-defensive coordinator Randy Shannon, DEs coach John Papuchis and associate head coach Odell Haggins.

Blount committed to Miami as a Five-Star Plus+ 2025 prospect on Sept. 14, but flipped to FSU and reclassified to the 2024 cycle just over a month later. Both schools aren’t letting their foot off the gas down the stretch.

“One source close to Blount’s recruitment kept the door open for the Hurricanes, saying ‘it’s not over til’ it’s over,’ and that choosing between Miami and Florida State remains ‘a very tough decision for Armondo to make,'” On3’s Chad Simmons wrote earlier this week.

Blount is now the No. 20 overall prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s the second highest-ranked pledge in the Noles’ class, which ranks 3rd in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Miami’s pledge list is currently 10th in the nation, though the addition of Blount would likely take it into the top five.

“With National Signing Day just two weeks out, Miami is not going away in this recruitment,” Simmons wrote. “The Hurricanes remain confident that they can bring the 6-foot-3.5, 250-pounder back to their class.”

Armondo Blount Scouting Summary

“Versatile, athletic defensive lineman who is capable of creating disruption from any spot on the defensive front. Looks like one of the more physically-gifted defenders early on in the 2025 cycle. Measured in at close to 6-foot-3.5, 250 pounds. Has the size of a future defensive tackle but the athleticism and pass rush skills of a top EDGE prospect. Flashes a plus first-step and quick hands both on Friday nights and in camp settings.

…Turned in a dominant sophomore campaign at Miami Dillard, showing advanced pass rush skills as a stand up rusher. Lives in the backfield, using his athleticism, strong hands and instincts to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Also doubles as a top track and field athlete, with a personal best of 55-6 feet in the shot put. Remains to be seen where he’ll end up from a size perspective, adding to some ambiguity around his position long-term.”

Blount has an On3 NIL Valuation of $293K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.