Bracewell takes a risk, will walk on at Florida State

Ashton Bracewell could have played football at Navy. He could have signed a scholarship with a community college and transferred to a four-year school after two years.

Instead, the Flagler Palm Coast linebacker accepted a preferred walk-on offer from Florida State University.

"It was a hard decision," he said. "But it's always been my dream to play high-level football. I've always been willing to take risks, and this is the biggest risk I've ever taken."

Bracewell was one of eight FPC football players to participate in a signing ceremony on Feb. 22.

Offensive lineman Drew Droste, linebacker/running back Landin Simmons and defensive back/ wide receiver DZ Steward signed with St. Thomas, an NAIA school in Miami.

Safety Ben Laurore signed with NCAA Division II Emporia State in Kansas. Linebacker Josh Davis signed with Division III Averett University in Virginia. Offensive lineman Kobe Murphy signed with Iowa Central Community College, and defensive back Gerod Tolbert signed with junior college New Mexico Military Institute.  

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Bracewell began his high school career as a safety, but he outgrew the position. Since his freshman season he has played free safety, strong safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, middle linebacker and tight end.

Now he needs to grow into the size of a Power-Five conference defensive end/outside linebacker.

"He's betting on himself that he'll have the opportunity to earn a scholarship," said FPC coach Robert Paxia, who resigned the next day to take a coaching position at a Georgia high school.

Bracewell also had a preferred walk-on offer from Florida, but he said FSU showed more interest. He said the Navy offer was a great opportunity, but he couldn't see himself making the five-year military commitment after he graduates.

That's because Bracewell's dreams do not end with college football. Eventually, he would like to have a chance to play in the NFL.

Murphy chose a community college over some NAIA offers. "It felt like a better option for me to develop at a very good JUCO school," he said.

Droste, a 6-3, 315-pound left tackle at FPC, said he expects to shift to offensive guard at St. Thomas.