Florida State adds four more transfers for spring semester

Special to the Outlook

 Florida State has added four additional transfers to its 2021 roster. Three of them will join the Seminoles’ defensive unite while the other is a running back.

Defensive back Brandon Moore, a redshirt senior from UCF, defensive back Jammie Robinson, a sophomore from South Carolina, defensive end Keir Thomas, a redshirt senior from South Carolina, and running back D.J. Williams, a sophomore from Auburn, are all enrolled for the spring semester.

“We’re excited to get this group of transfers in school to be part of our offseason program and involved within the FSU community,” said coach Mike Norvell. “All of our newcomers are excited about their individual opportunities at Florida State but also the ability to build collaborative relationships with their teammates and coaching staff. 

“We had the youngest team in college football last season and are excited about the youth we are continuing to develop, but it’s also great being able to add quality experience to our roster.”

Moore, 6-foot-0 and 186 pound, is a native of Sanford who played at Seminole High School before going to UCF. He 

appeared in 27 games with 21 starts for the Knights.

“We’re happy to be adding Brandon Moore to our defensive backfield,” Norvell said. “He’s someone I have great familiarity with having competed against him. He’s a long cornerback who is extremely fluid in his movements and has a high athletic ceiling. He’s been a very productive player who adds experience and playmaking ability to our defense.”

Moore recorded 76 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, two interceptions, 19 pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for Knights. In his first start in the 2019 season opener, he recording two tackles and one pass breakup, before season-ending injury that also kept him from playing in 2020.

One of his biggest post-season achievements was returning an interception 93 yards for touchdown against LSU in the Fiesta Bowl.

Robinson, 5-11, 195-pound, who played in 22 games with 13 starts in two seasons at South Carolina. 

Robinson recorded 136 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and one forced fumble. He had 74 tackles last season, ranking him second among Gamecocks and his pass break up total was third.

 “We’re excited about having Jammie join our team. Jammie is a dynamic playmaker who brings a hard-hitting style to the safety position,” Norvell said. “We feel he has tremendous flexibility within our defense and we are excited about the experience he brings, his mentality and the passion with which he plays.”

 Thomas has one year of eligibility remaining and Norvell has high expectation for the 6-2, 275 pounder from Miami. He played his college ball at South Carolina.

Thomas appeared in 47 games with 32 starts in five seasons at South Carolina. He recorded 132 tackles, including 18.5 for loss with 8.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. As a starter  all seven games played in 2020, he made 32 tackles, 5.5 for loss with 3.0 sacks. He was ranked second among Gamecocks in tackles for loss and sacks.

His outstanding play earned him the  Dr. Harris Pastides Outstanding Student-Athlete Award. 

Before going to South Carolina, he helped lead Miami Central to consecutive 6A state championships. 

“We’re fired up about the playmaking ability Keir brings to our defensive front,” Norvell said. “He will play primarily at our FOX position in base situations but will be able to contribute at any position along the defensive front. He plays with tremendous passion and an attacking approach. He will be a key contributor in his senior season.”

 Williams, another Florida player, had his one of his best single-game performance at Auburn with 130 yards rushing against LSU during the 2019 season. He also added 21 receiving yards for career-best 151 all-purpose yards against eventual national champions.

“We’re excited about bringing D.J. Williams into the offensive backfield,” Norvell said. “He’s been a very productive runner and receiver in his first two years. He brings a complete package of speed and power and will be a tremendous compliment to the guys we have in the running back room.”

Williams is a 5-10, 208-pound running back from Lake Placid who played at Sebring High School. At Auburn, he appeared in 19 games with three starts in two seasons at Auburn, rushing 122 times for 599 yards and five touchdowns with 12 catches for 72 yards. 

Williams, who helped lead Blue Streaks to eight wins and 6A state playoff appearance, also lettered in baseball.