For Byron Louis, it was key in his college choice after amassing some 30 scholarship offers to his name as a star running back for Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage High School.

On Saturday evening, the four-star back went public with his verbal commitment within state lines, pledging to Mike Norvell and Florida State University over finalists Georgia, Miami and Wisconsin.

"Three games don't define them the same way three games don't define us," Louis told Rivals after a close loss Friday night. "At the end of the day that's a great program. The history is amazing and honestly, it's still a good school.

Louis tripped to Tallahassee several times earlier this year, including for an official visit in June.

While Seminole assistants have helped along the way, Norvell has personally been courting the latest recruit to go from South Florida to the state's capital.

"He (Norvell) just texts me every day," he said. "He's made me a priority. It feels amazing, it's a blessing."

There were four finalists for the back, who ran for 1,224 yards and 18 touchdowns last fall as a junior, but FSU had been building momentum since the spring months. Louis admits it pulled away later in the process.

"You get that feeling, but you don't make it official until you're ready," he said. "I've known for about a week."

Louis is the first FSU commitment in nearly two months and his pledge helps the program climb back into the top 40 of the national rankings.