2015 Rivals250 DT Kendrick Norton picks the Noles

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Florida State is still rounding out its 2014 recruiting class with National Signing Day just a couple weeks away, but the Seminoles are also building for the future.

FSU added a sixth commitment to the class of 2015 when highly-touted four-star defensive tackle Kendrick Norton pledged to the 'Noles. He's the second pickup from the class of 2015 in two days for FSU, who accepted a commitment from three-star defensive back Calvin Brewton on Wednesday.

"I called Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt last night and committed," Norton said. "He was very excited. I knew since the summer that FSU was where I wanted to be, but I wasn't ready to commit at the time. I just wanted to wait to make sure of my choice."

It wasn't exactly a stunner for the Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) standout to pick the Seminoles. He was a familiar visitor on FSU's sidelines this past season. The Rivals250 prospect made it to at least four home games.

"Florida State was always my favorite team growing up," he said. "I love their defense line coach and he's like a father figure to all the defensive lineman. Everything is such a family oriented thing at FSU.

Early playing time was a big part of his decision. The 'Noles will need to reload after the 2014 season, so the depth chart was an attraction. He also fell in love with FSU's defense, where the Seminoles play their defensive tackles as ends with some of their 3-4 looks.

"Coach Haggins isn't afraid to get after his defensive tackle and I liked that. I'm probably going to play defensive tackle. I really love how they use their tackles," said Norton. "They really let their guys play and move them around and rotate a lot of tackles in and out."

Trinity assistant coach Gerard Ross, a former defensive standout at FSU, had high praise for his star tackle.

"Kendrick actually started as a guard and we only played him half the time this season on defense because we need him so much on offense. He will fit very well with Odell because of his quick feet, power and motor," Ross said. "He's very flexible from being a basketball player, so I think he'll make a pretty significant impact for Odell."

Norton is listed at 6-foot-2, 292 pounds. He is ranked as the No. 13 defensive tackle and the No. 156 overall prospect in the country. Although Norton started off his career at guard his strongest attributes are on the defensive side of the ball. As a junior Norton had six sacks and 11 tackles for loss for Trinity Christian.