Marcus Lewis to FSU: Seminoles Land 4-Star ATH Prospect

Months after decommitting from the University of Florida, Marcus Lewis has found a new home. Lewis announced on national signing day he will be attending Florida State, choosing the Seminoles over Washington State, Kentucky and Miami.

FSU announced the news on Twitter:

247Sports

A 4-star athlete from Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C., Lewis initially committed to Florida last April before reopening his recruitment a few months later. The Gators were still among the schools he was planning on considering, but Kentucky appeared to be taking a lead. Teammate Jabari Greenwood's commitment in Lexington seemed to be holding sway in December.

“It’s definitely important. Jabari is like family, we played high school ball together, he’s like my brother," Lewis told Tyler Thompson of Kentucky Sports Radio. "It’s real important to have a family feel on campus away from home. It’s really important.”

247Sports' Crystal Ball projections nonetheless pegged Michigan as the favorite. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh comes with a professional pedigree that would make anyone reconsider his commitment. Having Harbaugh around instead of the constantly embattled Brady Hoke was also a reason to consider the Wolverines a dark horse. 

Ultimately, Lewis felt FSU offered him the best opportunity for success at the college level.

Viewed by most as being a better long-term fit at defensive back, Lewis brings a tantalizing all-around game, including a 40 time of 4.38 seconds, per his 247Sports profile. He has excellent hands and uses his knowledge on both sides of the ball to his advantage. He has an innate feel for jumping in front of routes defensively and has a few subtleties in his route-running that stand out after watching him for a while.

The flip side to that is Lewis sometimes has an overconfidence in his skills. Jumping routes makes you look like a genius when you're right. It can break an entire defensive play when you're incorrect. Too often, Lewis, even at his considerable skill advantage over competition, can get himself into trouble with fits of aggression.

Figuring out his ultimate position will be the first job for Jimbo Fisher. While he'll probably wind up at cornerback or safety, his somewhat slight frame (6'1", 187 pounds) makes him look like a receiver. He'd have to bulk up to be a consistent help against SEC rushing attacks if he winds up at safety. Cornerback would probably be his ideal position in the interim.

Even without a position, Lewis is considered among the best prep players in the nation. He's ranked No. 139 by 247Sports' composite national rankings, placing eighth among athletes. He's also another coup for Fisher, who now has his program ranking third in the nation.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter