Charles Lester, a highly sought-after defensive back, announced his commitment to Florida State on Friday. The Florida State Seminoles managed to secure his commitment over Colorado, and as a result, their 2024 recruiting class moved up to No. 8 in the 247Sports Team Composite rankings, surpassing ACC rival Clemson.
On July 21, Lester revealed his final four schools, which included Florida State, Colorado, Alabama, and Georgia. However, in the end, he had to choose between the Buffaloes and the Seminoles. It’s worth noting that Florida State often competes with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, a former Seminoles superstar, in recruiting battles, making Lester’s commitment a significant victory for the Seminoles.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 171 pounds, Lester hails from Venice, Florida. He is considered the 38th best prospect nationally and the fourth best cornerback. Importantly, Lester is the first top-five player in the state of Florida to commit to the Seminoles since 2020.
In 2022, Lester played at Riverview High School in Florida, where he excelled as a cornerback, wide receiver, and wildcat quarterback. He displayed his versatility by recording five interceptions and scoring four touchdowns on offense.
247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins provided a comprehensive evaluation of Lester’s skills and potential at the college level:
Overall, Lester is a smooth and agile athlete who effortlessly changes direction and gains depth. His length allows him to effectively defend against pass catchers of varying sizes. However, he needs to improve his ability to shed blocks and contribute more to run support in order to become a complete defender. While his top-end speed may be a concern due to limited testing data, Lester has consistently made big plays as a wide receiver and wildcat QB against strong competition in Florida. He possesses the ideal size and reach coveted for outside defenders. With continued development and added strength to his lean frame, Lester has the potential to be a future starter and impact player on Saturdays. He even has the potential for a future in the NFL.