There were signs all along that Tallahassee Chiles linebacker Amari Gainer would end up at Florida State.
The Rivals100 member has visited FSU's campus probably more than most Seminole fans; his father, Herb Gainer, was a receiver for the Seminoles in the 1980s; and he has raved about his relationship with head coach Jimbo Fisher and defensive coordinator Charles Kelly for months.
Still, FSU fans didn't know for sure whether they would land the talented linebacker until Friday, when Gainer made his commitment to Florida State official on WCTV Channel 6, the CBS affiliate in Tallahassee and Warchant's media partner.
When explaining his decision to Warchant.com, Gainer said there was much more to it than just the fact he was a legacy recruit. He said FSU's coaches made it clear early on that they would recruit him as hard as they would if his family had no ties to the Seminoles.
"I talk with Coach Kelly a lot," Gainer said. "He, along with FSU, were the first big offer for me. I think I had like FAU and Indiana at the time, so he's loved me from the start. That really hits home for me when I think back on the recruiting process. He's a great man -- that's the best way I can put it. He's real."
Rivals lists Gainer as the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker and the No. 10 player in the state of Florida.
Although he still has another year of high school, Gainer said he can't wait to join the Seminole family full-time.
"I love the people there at FSU," he said. "I know all the ins and outs. I've always just loved being here. I'm quite comfortable. I'm also pretty close with Trey Fisher (Jimbo's son), so there are just so many things there."
Gainer is FSU's 10th commitment for the Class of 2018.
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