Indiana's Jaylin Lucas (12) during the first half of the Indiana versus Wisconsin football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.
Recently, the coaching staff at Florida State has faced criticism for their approach to recruiting talent from the NCAA Transfer Portal. However, following a successful weekend of recruiting in Tallahassee, those concerns can now be put to rest.
Adding to their recent commitments, Florida State continues to bolster their roster. Jaylin Lucas, an athlete transfer from Indiana, announced his commitment to the Seminoles after his visit to the campus on Sunday afternoon. Lucas, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, will be joining his brother, Ja’Khi Douglas, at Florida State.
Starting his college career with the Hoosiers, Lucas is expected to contribute to the Seminoles’ offense as a versatile player, filling roles as a slot receiver and in the backfield. Additionally, he is anticipated to play a significant role on special teams, given his previous recognition as an All-American kick returner during his time in Bloomington.
Originally from Louisiana, Lucas entered the transfer portal after the dismissal of Indiana’s head coach Tom Allen. In his most recent season, he showcased his skills by rushing 67 times for 275 yards and two touchdowns, along with 34 receptions for 247 yards and two more touchdowns. Over his college career, Lucas has accumulated 875 total yards and six scores on offense.
Lucas’s prowess as a returner is evident from his three kick return touchdowns during his two years with Indiana, covering 1,163 yards in 43 returns. While he has limited experience returning punts, he is expected to compete for the role, especially with Keon Coleman transitioning to the NFL.
Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 185 pounds, Lucas was ranked as the No. 947 overall prospect, the No. 68 ATH, and the No. 41 recruit in Louisiana for the 2022 class by 247Sports.
Florida State’s roster now includes Lucas, along with other notable additions such as redshirt senior Kentron Poitier, redshirt senior Darion Williamson, redshirt senior Ja’Khi Douglas, sophomore Hykeem Williams, sophomore Vandrevius Jacobs, and sophomore Destyn Hill.
Lucas becomes the sixth transfer to join Florida State since December, joining the ranks of Marvin Jones Jr. (former Georgia defensive end), DJ Uiagalelei (former Oregon State/Clemson quarterback), Jalen Brown (former LSU wide receiver), Earl Little Jr. (former Alabama cornerback), and Grady Kelly (former Colorado State defensive tackle).
