BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star WR Luther Burden III Decommits from Missouri, Flips Commitment to Florida State Over Penn State and Tennessee
Luther Burden III, the highly coveted 5-star wide receiver from St. Louis, Missouri, has made headlines by decommitting from the University of Missouri and flipping his commitment to Florida State University. This move marks a significant shift in the recruiting landscape, as Burden had been a key figure in Missouri’s 2022 recruiting class before his surprising change of heart. The announcement also came after significant attention from several major programs, including Penn State and Tennessee, making the decision even more dramatic.
Burden, who is considered one of the top wide receivers in the nation for the 2022 recruiting cycle, had originally pledged to Missouri, his home-state school. The Tigers had been the frontrunners for Burden’s services for quite some time, largely due to the close proximity to his hometown and the fact that the program had built strong relationships with him during his recruitment. However, despite the initial commitment, Burden has always been a highly sought-after prospect, and top programs across the country kept pursuing him.
Florida State’s aggressive recruiting efforts paid off when the Seminoles managed to secure Burden’s commitment. After a series of visits, discussions with the coaching staff, and a closer look at the team’s plans for the future, Burden decided that Florida State offered him the best opportunity for growth and success on the national stage. Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell, alongside offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, played a major role in sealing the deal with the talented wide receiver, as they presented a vision that resonated with Burden’s aspirations.
Burden’s decision to flip to Florida State over the likes of Penn State and Tennessee is also a testament to the growing momentum within the Seminoles’ program. Florida State has been making strides in recent years, with Norvell leading the charge to return the team to prominence. The program’s culture, strong fan base, and history of success in the ACC were important factors in Burden’s commitment, as he believes Florida State can offer him the platform he needs to become a future NFL star.
Penn State, under head coach James Franklin, and Tennessee, with Josh Heupel’s high-powered offense, were also considered among Burden’s final contenders. However, despite strong recruiting efforts from both programs, Burden ultimately felt that Florida State offered the best combination of immediate opportunity and long-term success. Burden, known for his elite speed, exceptional route-running ability, and explosive playmaking potential, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Seminoles’ offense.
The flip to Florida State is expected to have a ripple effect throughout college football recruiting. Burden’s decision to choose the Seminoles over two major programs highlights the growing appeal of Florida State as a destination for top-tier talent. His commitment could help elevate the recruiting profile of the program, attracting even more high-caliber recruits to Tallahassee in the coming years.
Overall, Luther Burden III’s flip to Florida State over Penn State and Tennessee has sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world. His decision is a major win for the Seminoles as they continue to build a program capable of competing for championships in the years to come.