BREAKING: 4-Star S Ta’Shawn Poole commits to FSU over UGA, Tennessee

Ta'Shawn Poole knew he wanted to play for Florida State before he even concluded his official visit last month.

The four-star safety from Howard High in Macon, Ga. publicly committed to the Seminoles on Friday at his school in front of a large crowd of family, friends, coaches, and mentors, making public a silent commitment he'd held for nearly a month.

"It felt good, I felt relieved," Poole told 247Sports' Ben Wolk of his decision to commit to FSU during June's official visit to Tallahassee. "I actually cried so that's how I knew it was the right choice."

Poole, with a 93 rating, becomes FSU's highest-rated commitment of the 2027 class. He is ranked as the No. 85 prospect nationally by 247Sports and the No. 4 overall safety.

It marks a sizable victory for FSU and its defensive staff, with safeties coach Evan Cooper and defensive coordinator Tony White leading the charge for the coveted defensive back. Tennessee was considered the clear frontrunner for most of this recruitment, and in-state Georgia made a late push for Poole as well.

But FSU was aggressive in pursuing Poole.

The opportunity to play early in White's three-safety scheme stood out — Howard will run something similar this season — and the feeling of being a priority proved to be a major factor in Poole's decision as well.

"When I went on the OV, everything felt like home," Poole said. "As soon as I touched down in Tallahassee, the coaches, players, GM, managers, everything from the top to the bottom, they made me feel like a priority."

Poole committed to Cooper at a dinner during the second night of his official visit, and then informed head coach Mike Norvell as well as White. All three coaches were happy, but didn't want to react too much in public as to not tip off Poole's decision to anyone else.

"I silently committed to them and went from there," Poole said.

FSU's work isn't finished. The Seminoles must show improvement on the field after a five-win 2025 campaign to keep the coaching staff intact — Poole has previously stated that he's had encouraging conversations with Norvell about job security and his working dynamic with the university president — to fend off Georgia, Tennessee, and whatever other schools emerge between now and the Early Signing Period in December.

Yet the Seminoles have positioned themselves to bring in a potential Day 1 starter, or at least a contributor, by securing the summer commitment.

Poole (6-2/185) had 43 tackles and 4 interceptions this past season in addition to several touchdowns as a returner.

247Sports national recruiting analyst Hudson Standish's evaluation:

- Three-phase impact playmaker set to become the first prospect from his high school (est. 2008) to sign at the Power Four level.

- Rangy safety with ideal size hovering around 6-foot-1.5, 190 pounds with a +6 wingspan and ideal combine testing metrics.

- Offers plenty of alignment flexibility, as he can feasibly line up over the slot, in the box, or as a split-safety.

- Handled himself well in one-on-one coverage at the 2026 Under Armour All-America game and on the offseason camp circuit. Smothers receivers and tight ends in man coverage, and will flash the playmaking instincts from his time at wide receiver at the catch point.

- Quickly diagnoses and closes distance to squeeze run lanes. Plays with violent conviction, which will lead to poor angles at times.

- Must continue improving block evasion and destruction in pursuit of the football.

- Possesses the range and anticipation to make plays in the deeper third as a split-safety. Reads the game well at the prep level, and flashed in a best-on-best setting, but will face a steep jump in play speed at the next level.

- Profiles as a multi-year starter for a CFP contender with NFL Draft upside thanks to his blend of size, athleticism, and coverage instincts.

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