A source very close to the situation told Palmetto Preps co-owner Lee Wardlaw that Florida State currently holds a strong lead on 6-foot-1, 180-pound 4-star Heathwood Hall Episcopal School safety Onis Konnanbany of Columbia, SC.
“I know they are pretty high after that OV, not going to lie. I think he was the only recruit on an official visit this weekend, so all of the attention was on him. So, I (believe) Florida State stands highly,” the source said.
Among aspects that stand out about the Florida State program include the quality of the Seminoles’ coaching staff, especially on the defense.
(Defensive coordinator) Adam Fuller has been recruiting him, and they have some good people there,” the source said. Offensive analyst Rick Stockstill, and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins were among the other staff members that he liked.
“(The coaches) are some good guys that he can relate to. He really enjoyed the visit. That’s all he’s been talking about the past three days,” the source said.
When asked if the Seminoles were the top of the pile in the race for Konnanbany as he wraps up his official visits, a list which will include stops at North Carolina (June 7), Penn State (June 14), and Tennessee (June 21), the source said that there was "no question".
But a visit to LSU could still be in the works for Konnanbany, according to The Osceola, Florida State's website on Rivals.
The source pointed back to the coaching staff allowing the Seminoles take a strong lead in the recruitment of the intriguing prospect who originally grew up in France and lived in England before moving across the pond the to chase his dreams of gridiron glory in the United States. "They played a big part," he said.
He talked about Seminoles' defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr., an 11-year NFL veteran.
“All of that plays a big part, and Surtain being one of the best there is coaching defensive backs in the business,” the source said.
Another significant bonus for Florida State could be the commitment of 2025 4-star pro-style quarterback commit, Tramell Jones. Konnanbany was a teammate of his at South Florida Express, an elite 7-on-7 program. Jones, who stars for Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, FL, is ranked No. 9 at the position and No. 18 in the state.
Even warm weather in the Sunshine State could play a factor for the athlete who formerly lived in France and England, the source indicated. “The weather. Understand, he came from (Europe).”
Up close and personal attention could also play a major factor in the final decision of the prospect. He was the only recruit in Tallahassee during the official visit weekend. "Being by himself resonated with him. You don’t get that too much, all of the attention being on you."
Florida State’s blueblood pedigree, program resurgence, and head coach, who is a rising star in the industry and resonates well with prospects and players, are among other reasons Konnanbany could become a Seminole. “It’s a good program with a great coach. Norvell is one of the hottest coaches in the country, and he can relate to the kids,” the source said.
