Former UVA star corner Cypress commits to Florida State

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia football’s loss is Florida State’s gain.

Fentrell Cypress, rated the No. 2 overall player in the 2023 transfer class by On3, broke in the New Year with a bang on Sunday when he announced he had committed to Florida State. Cypress, who starred at UVA this past season, chose the Seminoles over Ohio State, LSU, UCLA and others.

The 6-foot-4, 185-pound cornerback is projected as an immediate impact player for FSU, which just completed its first 10-win season since 2016 with a win over Oklahoma in its bowl game. Cypress was second-team All-ACC for the Cavaliers this past season, posting 14 passes defended and 39 tackles in the shortened 10-game season.

“This is another fantastic addition to our program,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said in a press release. “Fentrell is a great player who possesses the unique combination of length and athleticism. He has a huge upside and brings a proven track record of consistent playmaking  into our defensive backfield.

“He has collected incredible experience at the college level while proving himself to be a smart and disciplined player whose success has shown up on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Fentrell is a tremendous fit for the Nole Family as we continue on our climb moving forward.”

247Sports rates FSU’s eight-player transfer class as the best in the nation, while On3 ranks the Seminoles’ class No. 6.

Cypress, who is from Rock Hill, S.C., was rated the No. 8 FBS cornerback in defensive grade by Pro Football Focus, and 10th in coverage grade. The former Wahoo did not allow a passing touchdown last season, yielding only 179 yards and 18 catches on 40 targets.