Florida State has received a commitment from 2027 three-star athlete Dayon Cooper out of South Pittsburg, Tennessee. The Noles land a versatile, multi-sport prospect who chose FSU over a handful of SEC and ACC programs, including Tennessee, Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Louisville.
Cooper is a 6-foot, 180-pound athlete who spent his junior season doing a little bit of everything for South Pittsburg. He lined up at wide receiver, running back, and quarterback on offense while also seeing time at cornerback on defense, and he did it well enough to earn Tennessee Division 1-A Mr. Football honors. He totaled 1,252 yards of offense and 17 touchdowns in that junior campaign, helping South Pittsburg go 14-1 and capture a Division 1-A state championship.
The scouting report is interesting because schools aren’t unanimous on where he ends up. Some programs see him as an offensive weapon, while others believe his ceiling is higher as a coverage defender. Florida State likes him as a cornerback.
His track background adds some credibility to the athleticism side of things. He placed fifth at the TSSAA state championship in the long jump as a sophomore, with marks of 11.13 in the 100 meters and 21-8.5 in the long jump. His 247 profile clocks him at 91 speed and 90 explosion scores, which are legitimate numbers.
The recruiting connection runs through FSU cornerbacks coach Blue Adams, who is listed as the primary recruiter. The Seminoles offered Cooper in February, and he’s been on campus for a pair of visits since. That relationship, combined with FSU’s track record of developing defensive backs in the NFL, a strong connection with the coaching staff, and a feeling of “home,” ultimately led to his decision.
Realistically, Cooper is a developmental prospect at a Power Four program. Three stars from 1-A South Pittsburg, Tennessee doesn’t scream “plug-and-play starter,” but the athletic profile and positional flexibility are exactly what FSU’s staff tends to covet in the 2027 cycle. He has time to grow, and the raw tools are there. The other offers show there is upside potential. Cooper ranks as the No. 36 ATH in the 2027 class per 247Sports. He joins fellow FSU defensive back commits four-star safety Mekhi Williams and three-star safety Jemari Foreman. He 247 scouting report is below.
-Dynamic utility player that some schools view as an offensive weapon where others believe that the ceiling is higher as a coverage defender.
-Earned Tennessee Division 1 A Mr. Football honors after a junior campaign in which he totaled 1,252 yards of offense and 17 touchdowns.
-Displays good acceleration and top-end.
-Smooth in his transitions while in off-man looks.
-Dangerous in the quick passing game with his make-you-miss capabilities.
-Could certainly settle in as a slot receiver in college, but hip fluidity and overall athleticism (91 speed, 90 explosion scores) could make him a sticky field or inside corner.
For a class that’s still in its early stages, this is a solid add. Don’t expect Cooper to come in and immediately flip the program, but if the athleticism translates, he could carve out a real role on either side of the ball in Tallahassee. Thanks for reading and Go Noles!