McArthur defensive back Knowles II commits to FSU

One of the top defensive backs in South Florida plans to stay in the Sunshine State.

McArthur 2021 defensive back Kevin Knowles II committed to Florida State on Monday morning, announcing his decision on his Twitter account.

Knowles, who was a first-team AllCounty selection as a junior, had a breakout 2019 season. He led a strong Mustangs defense with five interceptions, and he also had 25 tackles and three tackles for loss.

Knowles is rated a three-star prospect in 247Sports’ composite ranking. He is listed as the No. 36 cornerback and No. 510 overall player in the 2021 class. Knowles is the first local player to commit to FSU’s 2021 class.

Knowles picked FSU over 30 other schools that offered him a scholarship, including Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Miami.

Knowles is the second local standout to pick an Atlantic Coast Conference team in the past 24 hours. Boca Raton three-star defensive end Ashton Gillotte committed to Louisville on Sunday evening.

MICHAEL LAUGHLIN/SUN SENTINEL McArthur’s Kevin Knowles breaks up a pass intended for University School’s Dylan Robertson on Sept. 6. Knowles committed to FSU on Monday.