Off visit for Miami-Florida State game, both programs making strong impression on 2024 Wisconsin commit

Miami and Florida State have both made efforts to flip Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage 2024 Wisconsin commit Xavier Lucas, and the three-star defensive back has now made game-day visits to both programs. However, neither program has emerged as a clear favorite to flip one of South Florida’s top defensive backs away from the Badgers.

Lucas visited Florida State this weekend for the annual Miami-Florida State rivalry game and said both teams played well, but it’s hard for him to firmly name one program ahead of the other. Both schools have worked to flip him away from Wisconsin since the start of the season as he’s quickly emerged as a star in his first season at powerhouse American Heritage after transferring from Dillard High School.

Lucas is listed as a safety but plays cornerback for American Heritage. Both programs are recruiting him at cornerback.

“I’m pretty sure it’s because of the rivalry between the two teams, but the number of people in the stands, the fans (on both sides) supporting and cheering, I loved it,” Lucas said. “I thought the teams played a great game. I didn’t expect it to be a blowout because it’s a rivalry so everyone’s gonna come in locked in, so it was a great game.”

Lucas said both secondaries played well and made plenty of attention-catching plays, and he doesn’t believe the Hurricanes’ loss affects how he looks at the program. He noted both secondaries “made a few mistakes here and there, but overall they were great.”

He added he believes he feels Florida State helped its chances to flip him during the visit, but Miami isn’t out of the race by any means. He would like to take December visits to both campuses before signing day.

Lucas additionally emphasized Wisconsin is still the team to beat and he’s communicated with the Badgers that Miami and Florida State are still pursuing him and he talks to both schools, but the Hurricanes and Seminoles will have their chances.

“I’m pretty strong (with Wisconsin),” Lucas said. “I told them, Miami and Florida State, I was going to be tough to flip, but I didn’t say it couldn’t happen.”

CaneSport’s Take

Florida State appears to have an edge on Miami at the moment if Lucas were to flip right now, but if he intends to visit both campuses again before the Early Signing Period, anything is possible. However, fans shouldn’t assume it’s a given he’ll flip from Wisconsin. The Badgers’ extended interest in him and loyalty has weighed heavily with the three-star defensive back.

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