Four‑Star Safety Ta’Shawn Poole Joins Florida State

Four‑star safety Ta’Shawn Poole has publicly committed to Florida State, choosing the Seminoles over Tennessee and Georgia. The 6‑foot‑2, 185‑pound prospect hails from Howard High School in Macon, Georgia, where he earned a reputation as a elite defensive back. Poole’s decision caps a recruiting summer that saw him courted by a host of Power‑Four programs.

Recruiting Timeline & Key Offers

UNLV became the first program to extend a scholarship offer, doing so on August 1, 2024. Poole later received offers from Louisville, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Auburn, Missouri, Miami, North Carolina State, Kentucky, Nebraska, Florida, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Indiana, Wake Forest, Mississippi State, Alabama, Virginia Tech and Clemson. Tennessee made its pitch on February 21, 2025 and saw Poole visit three times, with an official visit concluding on June 5. Georgia also remained a contender throughout the process.

Despite the heavy interest, Poole’s allegiance swung toward the ACC. Florida State’s coaching staff secured his commitment, bolstering a defensive back corps that was薄弱 in recent seasons. Tennessee, which already listed 17 commitments for the 2027 class, loses a highly touted safety, while Georgia watches another top‑ranked Georgian prospect slip away.

Player Profile & Rankings

247Sports currently ranks Poole as the No. 4 safety in the 2027 class and the No. 6 overall player in Georgia. He brings a blend of size, speed and ball‑hawking instincts that translate well to both press and zone coverages. Scouts praise his work ethic and willingness to lead the defensive unit, traits that should help FSU’s transition into the SEC.

The commitment adds depth to Florida State’s secondary, providing a potential future starter as current safeties graduate or move to other positions. Poole’s local roots and high‑profile pedigree could also aid the Seminoles in recruiting other Georgia prospects, reinforcing a new culture of competitiveness under head coach Mike Norvell.

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Readers interested in the latest recruiting trends will find Poole’s commitment a telling snapshot of how mid‑tier programs like Florida State compete for elite talent against traditional Southeastern Conference powers. The safety’s decision adds depth to the Seminoles’ defensive backfield, while Tennessee watches a key target slip away, potentially reshaping the Volunteers’ recruiting strategy for the 2027 class. This move also underscores Florida State’s emerging reputation as a destination for four‑star prospects seeking a chance to shine in a high‑profile conference.