DE DeMarco Artis Flips From UCF To Florida State

Three-star defensive end DeMarco Artis originally chose the UCF Knights over a host of 'power five' programs, but tonight he flipped to one of his state's powerhouses. The Seminole High School star will appropriately play his college ball at Florida State.

DeMarco Artis made the announcement via Twitter earlier this evening.

In his note, he apologizes to UCF fans and explained the Florida State selection.

To all the UCF fans , Coaches & Fellow commits .. i apologize but i Have to do what's best for Me , My family & My future . I appreciate you all for welcoming me into the UCFamily but a once in a Lifetime opportunity & A Dream come true Presented itself at Florida State University With that being Said i'm announcing that i will be Continuing my athletic & Academic Career at Florida State University . Once a Nole .. ALWAYS A NOLE #Tribe17

Artis, who may play outside linebacker, effectively replaces linebacker Bradley Jennings Jr. Jennings, an FSU legacy, decommitted from the Seminoles on Monday. He spoke to Scout's Corey Bender after announcing his flip.

"Florida State is a phenomenal program, and a once in a lifetime opportunity that I just can't pass up," Artis told Scout. "There's no other way to explain it."

Artis originally committed to UCF on June 21, choosing the Knights over offers from Indiana, Iowa State, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, N.C. State, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Temple, and Virginia Tech. Scout ranks him as the No. 74 defensive end in the 2017 class. With his commitment, Florida State has 11 players in its 2017 recruiting class. The group ranks No. 12 overall, and second in the ACC. He is the third player in the front seven to join Jimbo Fisher's class. Offensive line coach Rick Trickett is listed as the lead recruiter for Artis, via 247Sports.