Florida State's linebacker recruiting has seen a resurgence under the guidance of Ernie Sims, a former Seminole standout now coaching the position. Sims' impact is already making waves, as evidenced by the positive buzz among top linebacker prospects at the recent Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando.
Theo Wilson, a three-star linebacker, and Gabriel Player, an up-and-coming 2028 talent, both praised Sims for his genuine approach and strong relationship-building skills. Wilson shared, "I've been talking to coach Ernie Sims every day.
I'm heading up there for a spring practice and planning an official visit soon. He's real, no sugarcoating.
When I visited for Junior Day, he welcomed my family warmly, and it felt like I already knew him."
Player echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Sims' authenticity and dedication to his players' development and the team's legacy. "With coach Sims, you can tell he's genuine and really cares about his players and the heritage of the program," Player remarked.
The nation's No. 3 ranked linebacker in the 2027 class also chimed in with praise for Sims. Henderson appreciated Sims' ability to connect with him, drawing on his own experience as a top recruit who made it to the NFL.
"Coach Sims is doing a great job. He's a relationship guy, and knowing I could be coached by someone who's been where I want to go speaks volumes," Henderson said.
While Sims still needs to seal the deal with some top targets, the early feedback on his recruiting efforts is promising. His ability to relate to players and his track record as a former top recruit and NFL player make him a compelling figure in Florida State's recruiting landscape.