Lee County’s Gregory Batson decommits from Florida State

LEESBURG — One of Southwest Georgia’s top football prospects is once again one of the most sought-after recruits in the Southeast.

Lee County linebacker Gregory Batson announced this week that he has decommitted from Florida State University, reopening his recruitment less than eight months after pledging to the Seminoles.

The decision was first reported by recruiting services On3 and 247Sports and later confirmed by Lee County head coach Dean Fabrizio.

“He just decided to open his recruiting back up,” Fabrizio said. “There is no new favorite right now.”

Batson, a four-star prospect and member of the Albany Herald’s Fantastic Fifteen team last season, committed to Florida State on Nov. 7, 2025. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker had become one of the longest-standing commitments in the Seminoles’ 2027 recruiting class.

The move comes shortly after Batson completed an official visit to Tallahassee. According to 247Sports, Batson initially left the visit, appearing likely to solidify his commitment before ultimately deciding to explore other opportunities.

In a statement posted on social media, Batson thanked Florida State’s coaching staff, administration and fan base while announcing that his recruitment was once again open.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” Batson wrote. “I also want to thank the coaches, staff and fans for believing in me throughout my recruiting process. After careful consideration with my family, I have decided to decommit from Florida State University.

“This was not an easy decision, and I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the entire program. With that being said, my recruitment is 100 percent open.”

Florida State remains a significant player in Batson’s recruitment. The Seminoles are located just over two hours from Leesburg, and Batson made multiple visits to Tallahassee after committing.

Former Lee County star Ousmane Kromah is currently on Florida State’s roster, while former Dougherty standout Kam Davis also plays for the Seminoles.

Batson’s decision immediately makes him one of the highest-profile uncommitted prospects in Georgia’s 2027 class.

According to 247Sports, he is ranked as the No. 29 linebacker and No. 37 overall prospect in Georgia. On3’s Rivals Industry Ranking lists him as the No. 340 overall prospect nationally, the No. 28 linebacker in the country and the No. 37 player in Georgia.

His offer sheet reflects that status.

Among the programs pursuing Batson are Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Florida, Georgia Tech and West Virginia. Mississippi State had previously been scheduled for an official visit and is expected to remain heavily involved now that his recruitment has reopened.

Batson has emerged as one of the state’s premier defensive prospects during his career at Lee County.

As a sophomore in 2024, he produced eye-popping numbers, recording 100 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while helping lead the Trojans to another successful season. He followed that with 55 tackles and six tackles for loss as a junior in 2025 despite facing increased attention from opposing offenses.

Batson is expected to be one of the leaders of a Lee County team that enters the 2026 season with state championship aspirations.