Monday's commitment by four-star defensive back Israel Mukuamu not only continued Florida State's recent hot streak on the recruiting trail, but it also gave the Seminoles another long, rangy safety for their defensive backfield.
In February, FSU signed 6-foot-4, 210-pound safety Hamsah Nasirildeen. With Mukuamu, the 'Noles have added another 6-4, 190-pound athlete to the mix.
While Mukuamu didn't announce his decision until late July, the Louisiana product said he was pretty certain he was headed to Tallahassee for weeks.
"Since that second visit I took after the June camp, I knew in my mind, but I just didn't tell anyone," Mukuamu said. "It's a family there, and my trust in Coach [Charles] Kelly was a big thing for me. Also, the fact that I know how they use defensive backs all over the field ... I just fell in love with everything.
"I'll come in as a free safety, but I can play some corner, so the coaches are going to move me all over the place. That was a big draw about FSU as well in that they play safeties sometimes at corner like they did with Jalen Ramsey. I'm versatile, so that fits my game really well."
Although he now plays at Parkway High School in Louisiana, location was never much of a concern for the four-star DB. He earlier played at Berkeley High in South Carolina, and he is originally from Charlotte, N.C.
Some out-of-state commitments can be tricky to hold onto, but Mukuamu said FSU fans have nothing to worry about. He said he doesn't plan to consider any other schools, even if new offers come down the road.
"No sir. I've been everywhere and I've seen everything I needed to see," he said. "My mind is completely made up. I'm going to attend a lot of games this year, and I plan to enroll early at FSU so I can get ahead in learning that defense and make an impact."
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