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New Commit! Florida State flips IMG OL Steven Pickard Jr. from Syracuse

DSC07065 (1)by: Matt LaSerre5 hours agolaserrematt

Florida State picked up another recruiting flip on Tuesday morning as IMG Academy interior offensive lineman Steven Pickard Jr. switched his commitment from the Syracuse Orange to the Seminoles.

“I really respect FSU’s history and culture,” Pickard told Warchant of his decision. “It’s a big program with a passionate fan base that’s energizing to be around. It’s a football school. The energy there is amazing, and it’s a place I’m excited to be a part of… Go ‘Noles!”

Pickard visited Florida State frequently throughout his recruitment, even as recently as the Pitt game in early November. However, Pickard had never gotten an FSU offer until Monday night, and he quickly jumped on it and committed to the Seminoles.

Florida State offensive line coach Herb Hand played a huge role in this commitment, having a relationship with the three-star lineman since Hand was at UCF.

“Coach Hand told me he liked me as a person and as a player, and was impressed with my development over the years,” Pickard said,

The IMG Academy product brings a lot of size to the offensive line class as he stands at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds. He was also needed as the Seminoles recently saw longtime commit Da’Ron Parks back off his pledge last week.

Pickard had been committed to Syracuse since January, and he had offers from N.C. State and others.

The lineman said he could play tackle or guard for Florida Sate.

“They like that I have the length, quickness and experience to play tackle and the size to play inside,” Pickard said. “My goal is to be available to play all five positions on the line.”

Here’s more from Pickard on his commitment:

Reaction to Commitment: “It was so special for me to get the FaceTime from Coach Norvell. I have been talking to Coach Hand for over a year now and we have a great relationship, so when I committed to Coach Norvell, he ran the phone down to Coach Hand’s office to share the news. It’s definitely a memory I will treasure.”

His belief in Mike Norvell and Florida State: “I believe in Coach Norvell and his commitment to hard work — it always pays off in the long term.”

Norvell’s message: “Coach Norvell’s message was consistent with Coach Hand’s. It was cool to have Coach Novell watch me play in person at our game vs Mandarin. Having him helicopter in right before kickoff and being on the sideline during the game was very motivating.”

What FSU is getting: “I’m a versatile lineman that can play all five positions. Playing for IMG’s National Team has given invaluable experience against the best competition in the country both in games and at practice every day.”

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