FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**TALLAHASSEE, Fla.** — In a massive recruiting victory that solidifies the foundation of Florida State’s resurgence, the Seminoles have secured a commitment from one of the nation’s most coveted prospects. **Defensive end Ezekiel “Zeke” Schoks**, a five-star talent and a consensus Top-15 national recruit, announced his commitment to Florida State University on Friday, choosing the Seminoles over finalists Clemson, Georgia, and Florida.
The decision, made public at a ceremony at IMG Academy in Bradenton, delivers a cornerstone defensive piece to head coach **Mike Norvell** and marks a critical win in the fierce battle for elite in-state talent. Schoks’s commitment serves as a powerful testament to the cultural and competitive rebuild Norvell has engineered in Tallahassee.
**“I’m Coming to Help Finish the Climb.”**
With a focused demeanor, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive terror announced his choice, pulling an FSU hat from beneath the table. “The work Coach Norvell and this staff have done is undeniable,” Schoks stated. “But they’re not done. I’m not coming to a finished product; I’m coming to help finish the climb to the very top. The culture here is real, the development is proven, and I believe this is where I can become the best player and leader I can be. This feels like home.”
Schoks is the prototypical modern edge defender, boasting a rare combination of explosive first-step quickness, advanced hand technique, and relentless pursuit. Ranked as the nation’s No. 3 weak-side defensive end, his junior season was a highlight reel of disruption, amassing 28 tackles for loss and 18 sacks against national competition. Analysts liken his blend of power and agility to a young **Myles Garrett**.
**Why Florida State Prevailed**
Schoks’s recruitment was a marathon battle against the region’s premier programs. FSU’s victory was built on several key pillars:
1. **Cultural Connection:** Norvell’s emphasis on family, accountability, and personal growth resonated deeply with Schoks and his family, creating a trust level that surpassed transactional pitches.
2. **Defensive Vision:** Defensive coordinator **Adam Fuller** presented a detailed plan to utilize Schoks as a versatile weapon in multiple fronts, showcasing how his skills would be maximized from day one in a scheme designed for playmakers.
3. **The “Legacy Builder” Opportunity:** The staff sold Schoks on the chance to be the defensive face of FSU’s return to perennial championship contention—to be the homegrown star who anchors the next great Seminole defense.
**Reaction: A Statement on the Trail**
The commitment was met with immediate celebration from the FSU faithful and recognition from national observers.
* **Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell:** “We are thrilled to welcome Ezekiel and his family to Florida State. He is an extraordinary young man who embodies the competitive spirit, character, and drive we value. His commitment is a reflection of his belief in our program’s culture and future. He has the potential to be a transformative player for us.”
* **247Sports Southeast Recruiting Analyst, Andrew Ivins:** “This is a huge get for Mike Norvell. It’s not just about beating rivals; it’s about keeping a premier pass-rusher in-state. Schoks is an impact player who fits a major need. Wins like this are what sustain a program’s rise back to the elite.”
* **ACC Network Analyst, Eric Mac Lain:** “The rich get richer. FSU’s defensive line just got scarier. Schoks is the kind of talent that changes game plans. For Norvell to secure this level of defender consistently shows FSU is operating at a different recruiting altitude in the ACC.”
**The “Schoks Effect”: Solidifying the Foundation**
Ezekiel Schoks’s pledge strengthens an already stellar 2025 recruiting class for the Seminoles, ensuring the defensive front remains a position of strength. His commitment acts as a beacon to other elite defenders and validates FSU’s renewed status as a destination for players with championship aspirations. Expected to enroll early, Schoks will have an immediate opportunity to contribute to a defense with playoff ambitions.
In choosing Florida State, Ezekiel Schoks didn’t just select a school; he aligned himself with a proven culture and a clear mission. For Mike Norvell and the Seminoles, it’s another definitive step in a climb that now looks destined to reach the summit.
