Blue-chip quarterback Jeff Sims decommits from Florida State

Four-star quarterback Jeff Sims announced Wednesday that he has decommitted from Florida State in what could be a huge loss for the Seminoles’ 2020 recruiting class. His announcement comes one week before the early signing period begins.

“FSU will still be an option for me,” Sims wrote, “but I am reopening my recruitment for this final week.”

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect from Jacksonville’s Sandalwood High is the nation’s No. 7 dual-threat quarterback and a top-250 overall recruit. The Under Armour All-American had been a vocal leader in FSU’s class since he orally committed in February, which made him a pivotal piece for the class.

Another reason why his defection could be enormous: The ’Noles failed to sign a high school quarterback in either of Willie Taggart’s classes. Only one other Power Five school (2012-13) Arizona State also failed to sign a passer in back-to-back classes.

Coincidentally, new FSU coach Mike Norvell was Arizona State’s offensive coordinator during that span.

FSU’s upcoming class has 13 oral commitments and is ranked No. 25 nationally.