5-Star Levonta Taylor Commits to FSU, Says He's Ready to 'Win Championships'

Steve Evans knew that one factor stood out above all to his stepson, 5-star corner Levonta Taylor, when it came to the recruiting process: winning. 

After all, Taylor has lost only twice in his prep career thus far at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Evans, who also coaches Levonta as the defensive backs coach at Ocean Lakes, has preached to him about winning in the classroom and on the field as he’s grown up.

On Friday, Taylor—who has already piled up more than 30 offers—committed to Florida State over Virginia, Ohio State and Clemson among others.

Considering that FSU has gone 39-3 since 2012, Taylor feels comfortable with the idea that he will continue to win big at the next level.

“It’s a school where I’ve always been interested in and liked,” Taylor said. “I’m ready to roll with them.”

Taylor represents the latest high-profile recruit Jimbo Fisher and the ‘Noles have been able to pull away from Virginia. 

Two years ago, FSU landed Taylor’s former prep teammate in defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, and last year, it landed the state’s top prospect in 5-star defensive end Josh Sweat.

Evans said the Virginia flavor on the FSU roster was another factor that allowed Taylor to feel comfortable leaving his home state for college.

“There’s a family environment there,” Evans said. “There’s a great education there. Florida State kind of feels like a home away from home with the Virginia guys already there. That was the attraction there. The winning and their recent national championship, that’s big.”

The fact that FSU made Taylor a priority recruit early in the cycle was another thing that stood out in his recruitment.

“If you look at Florida State, nine times out of 10, if they get a player from Virginia, they are going to play,” Evans said. “They don’t have to leave the state of Florida to come get a player. If they are going to come up to Virginia for those kind[s] of guys, they have to believe that he’s a special player.”

While he was recruited as a corner by most schools, he noted the Seminoles coaching staff has told him it will also give him a chance to use his speed and athleticism on special teams and even offense.

“It’s a school that needs me in the secondary,” Taylor said. “They like the speed I bring to the table as well as my tackling ability. They also said I can play some on offense and return kicks and punts. I would have an opportunity to play early.”

Evans also noted Taylor is a “football junkie,” citing his preference to stay at home and watch film over going to parties with friends on the weekends.

Taylor, who sports a 3.1 GPA with plans to major in sports medicine or sociology, trains relentlessly in the offseason. He noted he recently posted a hand-timed 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash and a vertical jump of 43 inches. 

Taylor said his commitment to the game is part of a burning desire to “be great.”

“I’m ready for the next level, and I’m mature enough to know what comes with playing big-boy football,” Taylor said. “I’m ready to learn, and I’m ready to help contribute and win championships. My plan is to recruit as hard as I can to help bring in a nice class for Florida State.”

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.