New FSU Linebacker Coach Impresses Early on Recruiting Trail

Ernie Sims, a former Seminoles linebacker, is making a strong impression on top prospects

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ernie Sims, the new linebacker coach at Florida State University, has been making a strong early impression on top linebacker recruits with his genuine approach and ability to relate to the players as a former top recruit himself. Several highly-ranked prospects have praised Sims' recruiting efforts, with two saying he is the coach they have the best relationship with in the country.

Why it matters

Linebacker recruiting has not always been a strength for Florida State under head coach Mike Norvell, so Sims' early success in building relationships with top prospects is an encouraging sign for the Seminoles' future on defense.

The details

Sims, a former Florida State linebacker who played in the NFL, has been in constant communication with several top linebacker recruits, including three-star Theo Wilson and 2028 prospect Gabriel Player. Both players praised Sims' genuine personality and said they felt welcomed by him during visits. The nation's No. 3 ranked linebacker in the 2027 class, who FSU is pursuing, also spoke highly of Sims' efforts, noting that he appreciates Sims' ability to relate to him as a former elite recruit.

  • Sims was recently hired as the new linebacker coach at Florida State.

The players

Ernie Sims

A former Florida State linebacker who is now the new linebacker coach for the Seminoles.

Theo Wilson

A three-star linebacker recruit who has been impressed by Sims' recruiting efforts.

Gabriel Player

A 2028 linebacker prospect who feels Sims is a genuine and caring coach.

Henderson

The nation's No. 3 ranked linebacker in the 2027 class, who FSU is pursuing and who has praised Sims' recruiting approach.

Mike Norvell

The head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football team.

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What they’re saying

“I've been talking to coach Ernie Sims everyday. I'm going up there for a spring practice and I'm going to set an OV soon. He's just a wholesome person, good personality. He doesn't sugarcoat anything. He's going to keep it real. It just felt welcome. When I went up there for the Junior Day, he just welcomed my family. My mom had a good conversation with him. I felt like I knew him already before I met him.”

— Theo Wilson, Three-star linebacker recruit (247sports.com)

“With coach Sims, I could really tell he's a genuine, honest guy. Really cares about his players, really cares about the development and really cares about the team and the heritage that this”

— Gabriel Player, 2028 linebacker prospect (247sports.com)

“Coach Sims, he's doing a great job. He's a relationship guy so we're just building that relationship. He's already been there so now he took on the linebacker coach role -- so I think that's a good thing for him. I'm happy for him. I love coach Sims. He's done everything I want to do. Five-star guy -- one of the highest [ranked] recruits in the nation when he came out and he played in the league. Just knowing I could be coached by a guy like that just speaks volumes.”

— Henderson (247sports.com)

What’s next

Sims will need to continue building relationships with top linebacker prospects and demonstrate that he can close on securing commitments from some of his top targets.

The takeaway

Ernie Sims' early success in connecting with top linebacker recruits is an encouraging sign for Florida State's defense, as the Seminoles look to bolster their linebacker corps under the new position coach's leadership.