As The Portal Turns: Seminoles focus early on WR, DT targets

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After sitting out last week due to NCAA sanctions, Florida State’s football coaches can now contact players in the transfer portal. And based on their activity already this week, it seems clear that their top two priorities during this window are defensive tackle and wide receiver.

Here’s a look at some top portal targets to keep an eye on.

WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith – Penn State

Lambert-Smith is considered the best wide receiver available in the portal right now. He was expected to be one of the Nittany Lions’ top pass-catchers in 2024, however, it is rumored he wants to play with a more experienced quarterback. Florida State senior DJ Uiagalelei, who is entering his fourth season as a starting QB, would definitely fit the bill.

The 6-foot-1, 188-pound wideout from Norfolk, Va., racked up 673 yards and four touchdowns on 63 receptions in 2023.

So far, Lambert-Smith has taken visits to Auburn and Texas A&M. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, the Seminoles have made contact with Lambert-Smith and are pushing to get a visit soon. USC is also pushing to land that next visit as well.

WR Elijhah Badger – Arizona State

Badger is another of the top receivers available in the portal right now. According to On3, he is a former four-star recruit from the class of 2020. Out of high school, he was the 120th-best player in his class as well as the No. 22 wide receiver.

In 2023 with the Sun Devils, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound receiver accounted for 713 yards and three touchdowns on 65 receptions. And that was playing through major quarterback struggles at ASU.

Badger was also used in the running game, recording 11 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. His versatility could make him a natural fit for Florida State coach Mike Norvell’s offense.

According to Pro Football Focus, Badger had only two drops on 99 targets in 2023; that’s the most targets of any of the top 30 receivers in the portal right now.

DL CJ West – Kent State

West has emerged as a target with mutual interest between him and the Seminoles. This is someone we believe could be one of the first FSU visits of this portal window.

According to On3, West is the fourth-best available defensive tackle in the portal.

At Kent State in 2023, West registered 40 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks.

In his four seasons with the Golden Flashes, the 6-foot-2, 315-pound lineman played in 39 games, had 110 tackles, 19.5 for loss and seven sacks.

DL Simeon Barrow Jr. – Michigan State

The grad transfer from Grovetown, Ga., entered the transfer portal last week and quickly told Warchant that he would be interested in the Seminoles if they reached out.

On Monday, he said Florida State did reach out to him.

In 2023, Barrow Jr. had 36 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. The 2022 season was actually his best when he had 40 total tackles and four sacks.

Overall in his career, the 6-foot-3, 290-pound prospect has recorded 110 tackles, 18.5 for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

On3’s Pete Nakos called Florida State an early school to watch for Barrow. Georgia, Miami, Auburn and LSU were also mentioned alongside the Seminoles.

*ALSO SEE: Live updates on Transfer Portal targets on the PRB

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