4-star RB Byron Louis is set to visit two in-state schools in March

Byron Louis is still exploring his national options. The four-star running back out of Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage has his eye on programs like Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin, but it won’t be easy for any program to pull him out of the Sunshine State.

Florida State and Miami are in strong pursuit of the No. 161 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and he is set to return to Tallahassee on March 23 and then get back to Coral Gables on March 30.

Ohio State is still the current favorite to land Louis according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine — building off of a November pick in favor of the Buckeyes. But the Seminoles and the Hurricanes are both charging the On3 RPM could change in the coming months as Louis closes in on a decision.

Louis talks his January visit to Florida State

One of the late additions to the visitor list for FSU’s Junior Day on Saturday was four-star running back Byron Louis, who has been developing a relationship with Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell and running backs coach David Johnson over the past year.

“It was amazing,” said Louis, who stars at American Heritage in South Florida. “This is a place where you can make it your home, and there’s nothing but love from these coaches. And it’s more than just football to these coaches. They want you to be an all-around guy on and off the field.”

Louis, who is widely considered one of the top 10 or 20 running backs in the Class of 2025, made it clear that he has strong feelings for the Seminoles.

“It’s great. It started off back when I was in the ninth grade, and that was the first time I came up,” he said. “Since I’ve been back, it’s been nothing but love, support. It’s almost as if we have been connected this whole time.”

The visit also gave the running back a chance to spend time with FSU defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., who was American Heritage’s head coach just a few years ago.

“Y’all see FSU, but I just see Coach Pat,” Louis said. “He’s a guy that you can relate to in all times.”

The four-star prospect also opened up about his relationship with FSU’s head coach.

“Coach Norvell just told me he sees greatness in me. That I’m a dude, and he would really want to coach me,” Louis said. “Coach Norvell told me two years ago they are going to be the best team in the country, and it’s definitely showing. They are definitely the top contender. The people here. It’s bigger than football to these people, and they want the best of me.”

Louis had a great visit to Miami earlier this year

Louis was in Coral Gables near the end of January for a junior day visit with the ‘Canes.

“I mean, it was amazing,” Louis told CaneSport. “It’s the University of Miami, it’s home. What’s not great to come back? I’m glad I came.”

Louis also said he continues to weigh out his option and will narrow it down after his official visits.

“Right now I’m just enjoying these visits,” he said. “I didn’t take a lot of visits during my junior season. There were a lot of question marks on me and my ability – `Can I withstand 18, 20 carries a game? Can I be the guy?’ I was playing behind Mark Fletcher the last two years, and I feel like I checked off a lot of those question marks. Now it’s more about me producing, doing what I can do. As of right now I’m just enjoying my visits.”