Daytona (Mainland) Defensive Back Cortez Davis de-commits from Clemson and commits to Florida State
by Bud Elliott on Feb 27, 2010 7:22 PM EST
in FSU Football Recruiting
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Cortez Davis, defensive back from Daytona Mainland de-commited from Clemson and committed to Florida State this afternoon at the Florida State's junior day. Davis is an elite prospect at 6'5" 210 lbs. Noleinsider confirmed the story via its twitter account, as did Elite Scouting Services.
Davis is one of the best defensive back prospects in the state. While many would assume he is a safety given his size, that might not be the case. FSU will consider Davis at cornerback in their new zone-heavy scheme. The 'Noles are incorporating more zone principles in their coverage schemes in order to have 11 defenders looking at the ball. That should help combat the spread-option, most notably the attack run by UF. From Elite Scouting:
For a cornerback over 6′2, Davis is very fluid. He can open up and run with backs or receivers. Usually cornerbacks with his size are stiff. That is not the case with Davis.
That comparison seems somewhat similar to a former 'Nole great: Antonio Cromartie.
Davis grew up a Florida State fan, but was turned off to the program after visiting during the 'Nole's loss to USF last October. It appears Junior day impressed Davis, who had stated that he would always remain open to the possibility of becoming a 'Nole. Inside, you'll find film and further notes on the impressive 2011 defensive back.
Here is some film of Davis, courtesy Elite Scouting Services:
As you can see, Davis is an incredible athlete. He's also a pretty good receiver.
Davis is on the ESPNU 150 Watch List. He is Florida State's 9th commitment for the 2011 class. Derrick Mitchell, a defensive tackle from Jacksonville's First Coast High School has committed to Florida State, Ira Schoeffel confirmed via twitter. Apologies for not getting this up sooner, but we were unable to reach two of our primary sources. Mitchell is the eighth commitment for the 'Noles, joining First Coast RB Eric Beverly, First Coast DT Derrick Mitchell, Nova DT Nile Lawrence, Navarre OL Sterling Lovelady, Treasure Coast DBs Lamarcus Brutus and Keelin Smith, Deland OL Trey Pettis, and Ridge ATH Karlos Williams. All are from Florida, and 8 appear on the ESPNU 150 Watch List. In addition to Florida State and Clemson, Davis has offers from LSU, Miami, Auburn, and USC (yes, Southern Cal).
It's also worth noting that Davis is a teammate of running back Marlin Lane, arguably the top running back in the state. Lane partially tore his ACL at the end of last season after compiling an amazing on-field resume. While nobody has seen Lane run since, FSU is very aware of him and some believe he will be a 'Nole if he comes back from his injury. FSU is showing heavy interest and monitoring his recovery closely. He expects to participate in Spring ball on a limited basis.
Tomahawk Nation attempted to reach Davis, but was unsuccessful. We will attempt to catch up him at a later date.
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Recruiting is on an unexpected role at this point in the cycle
At least unexpected to me. I’m pumped about this new staff.
by PadraicTheSeminole on Feb 27, 2010 7:25 PM EST reply actions
I saw ESPN’s video on him and was very unimpressed. It turns out that the problem wasn’t the player but the video. ESS’s video shows him in a much better light. Fantastic ball skills- he really high points every interception he makes. I have a hard time believing he doesn’t end up at safety, especially with his size.
Do you think he is a lock to be a defensive player or do you think he could move to wideout?
He looks as if he could be a a good WR.
by PadraicTheSeminole on Feb 27, 2010 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
Not FSUncensored but
to me, as a wide receiver he’s average but as a defensive back he’s special. Finding athletes is easy enough in Florida, but when you find an athlete who will hit, you need to put him on defense.
Yep, it’s an exciting commitment although it isn’t “official” yet. Coach Tress is flying back into Columbus to meet with him as we speak.
Cash is a kid who would be a Hurricane lock ten years ago. Shannon just let him escape with lackadaisical recruiting.
and we love it
Shannon is asleep at the wheel, its getting to be a bit ridiculous. Miami will be in big trouble is NSD 2011 turns out the same as 2010.
By looking at his highlights, he looks like he'd be a good WR prospect.
Either way, Coach Stoops has gotta be just lovin’ this. We need to rename FSU DBU
by Randall W. Spetman on Feb 27, 2010 7:34 PM EST reply actions
another awesome
addition! We are definately on a great run and i dont want it to stop!!! The Fear is Back in the Spear!!! Go Noles
Sick! Remember WVU had that 6’5 safety? Haha, he looked odd in the safety position, imagine what it would be like to have a 6’5’’ CB.
I love the last play in that video
Remember it will be a heavy zone he plays in. Holes and gaps in a zone are a hell of a lot smaller with a 6’5 corner thrown in the mix.
As a die hard Ute fan
That was one of the first things I thought.
Smith dominated at CB in college, and effectively shut down Julio Jones in the Sugar Bowl. He also did that as a converted WR. First time ever playing the position.
Some people get too concerned about the idea of having a 6’5 CB
Not to be That Grammar Guy, but:
“Tomahawk Nation attempted to reach Davis, but he was unsuccessful. We will attempt to catch up him again at a later date.” Those last two sentences are a little off. Unless Tomahawk Nation has now become fully aware…
Great start to the 2011 recruiting cycle. The contrast in this staff’s work so far compared to the past few years is unbelievable.
by SeminoleSkins87 on Feb 27, 2010 7:43 PM EST reply actions
IDC if..
he is as special as Cromartie was/is and we didn’t even get much out of Cro since he tore up his ACL and then decided to leave
This doesn't change that Cro is a ridiculous talent
That type of athleticism for that height is downright freaky. Davis doesn’t just have straight line, long stride speed, he has the ability to accelerate quickly. This is a rare weapon to throw on the field for sure.
Like the way he tackles
Lots of young studs go for kill shots. He hit well but still wraps up. He also has great timing on jump balls. Lots of INTs are missed by guys jumping too early. Bet he plays a lot of basketball.
He and Keelin Smith
He looks great at corner. Especially for him being in the 6’4’’ to 6’5" range. With him and Keelin Smith at the corner spots, we are looking great Corner/DB for the next four to five years.
I was wondering about this
The commits we have been getting and seem to be in line for, they don’t seem to be in that talent tier.
By committing to us, they raise their profile and got on the 150 watch list.
We’ll see what happens. Beneficial for both programs either way.
I just hope that understanding is mutual
But I agree, it can’t hurt Treasure Coast and if those guys find somewhere better for them it’ll be cool. I wish we weren’t on such a numbers crunch this season. It seems to be the only thing not in our favor really.
Is that the more savvy recruit?
Or is it coincidence?
Do you think these guys are coached up in how to raise their profile as well? Also, how is it mutually beneficial for the school and the athlete. If the value of the kid goes up, great; but where does the school win if its only a commit for the kid?
I don't know.
I thought they were getting looks from big time programs like Ohio State already.
"Trick is right."
Very, very weird that this is being discussed.
A couple of us were discussing this on another site, and one of the recruiting guys made a very similar comment.
by Randall W. Spetman on Feb 27, 2010 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t see how you can say this. Have you not seen their film? They aren’t on the ESPN 150 watch list for nothing. Smith is a heck of a corner and Brutus is heck of a safety. Our coaches aren’t just offering scholarships to lowe tier talent.
Just because they aren't low tier doesn't mean they are elite
Also doesn’t mean that they’re better than other possibilities.
We're taking 5 DBs
We do not have room for more than 5 barring some very unforeseen circumstances. There are better prospects on our board.
The new defensive coaches weren't here when we took their commitments.
Have to make sure the new guy likes them.
I agree
I don’t like the whole ‘well they’re good but we’re hoping for better’ attitude…
I like Brutus and Smith and think FSU is fortunate to currently have their commitments. If either end up not being in our final signing class I guarantee it isn’t because Jimbo/Stoops dropped them for ‘someone better’ or ‘a better fit’ but the other way around
Anyone else believe this may be further closing the door on Hunter?
Clinton-Dix hasn’t commited yet, plus Waisome and Lyons are still kids we’ll be going hard after
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 27, 2010 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
Sounds kinda like it
Maybe the Treasue Coast guys can follow in Luc’s shoe’s and EE
I wouldn't think it would have too much effect...
I mean you would think a recruit would go where he feels comfortable/feels like he fits in.
If the kid is afraid of competition from other recruits that would say more about his confidence in himself then anything IMO
Nah, it's not about competition. It's about interest
The staff may be cooling on him due to the his spinal condition. He’s certainly getting more attention from other schools now. Never thought he’d be as easy a pull anyway. Bama leads supposedly
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 27, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Hell, have they even offered Randall yet?
Kid is feenin for a UF offer. He might be waitin a while. I’ve heard Lyons is in play but ultimately a UF homer. Our staff still has to take it’s swings however.
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 27, 2010 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
The story I’ve heard is that Addazio hasn’t been given clearance to offer kids without Meyer’s approval. And since Meyer isn’t doing anything football related until Spring Practice, they are going slow on offers right now, especially to kids they feel are Gator leans if offered. They think they can get back in on Randall, Lyons, and Waisome later.
If you noticed, all of their offers after the Meyer incident have been to OOS kids. They are waiting for his “return” for the in-state offers.
That makes a bit more sense (A lot more actually)
They’might be making a bit (Heavy emphasis on the word ‘bit’) of a calculated risk, but not much of one. Of those three the only instance where things could get somewhat interesting is Randall. If they get Lemay/ and or Driskell that is. Randall would probably flip to another spot (WR/DB) anyway. But thats on Jimbo and company to determine whom to battle for and who to concede
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 27, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
I hope UF keeps focusing on out of state kids...
it will be there downfall.
He claims he's open supposedly
We know otherwise, but stranger things have happened
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 27, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree
We will take the best 5. And we’ll be straight up with them and say “look who else we’re bringing in”, if it indeed falls that way
He looks like someone famous (from the picture above), but I can't put my finger on it. Can someone help me out?
by Randall W. Spetman on Feb 27, 2010 7:51 PM EST reply actions
Meh...A little.
I’m sure once the Seminole nation gets word and this story gets more attention, someone might bring it up. It’ll probably be Matt.
by Randall W. Spetman on Feb 27, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah! He does kinda favor AI a bit!
I dunno if that’s who I had in mind, but nice job, norcal. You are a clutch SOB, you know that?
by Randall W. Spetman on Feb 27, 2010 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
No...Definitely not Ed Reed
Ed Reed looks like a homeless guy.
by Randall W. Spetman on Feb 27, 2010 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
I think more like Eddie's older brother Charlie Murphy from the Dave Chapelle Show.
http://i49.tinypic.com/hwlmj9.jpg
>-----:----:------>Spear 'em then Scalp 'em
Anybody know who the "big" names were that were suppose to come this week?
I know Ray Drew came up last week was there anybody of that caliber that was suppose to come this week?
Clinton-Dix, Cortez, D. Hart
Are the only 3 I can say for sure. On the front page of WC.
"Trick is right."
We need Marlin Lane too!
Lane is a 5* prospect IMHO, as good as any RB I’ve seen in this class. Shouldn’t have any real problems getting back to 100% health wise.
I say he's a WR
like his body control, going to get the ball at its height, and straight line speed. He looks like a legit 6’4-6’5, so will struggle at DB to get that big frame moving in short spaces like he’ll need to. could his QB not throw or were they a running team?
Noticed something when all the commits are compared like that.
We are getting some big boys. Granted 3 of our 9 are linemen but still Beverly is the only one that is significantly below 6 foot.
love it, 4 db's and 3 are 6-2 or better
The “smallest” one is 5-11
He told the Sentinel the same thing earlier in the day
“I definitely liked it up there,” said Clark, who also attended Florida’s junior day earlier this month. “They were both good trips. I kinda felt more of a family atmosphere at Florida State and they were really straight forward with me as far as what they wanted me to do. But as for both places, they were about the same.”
Davis also enjoyed his trip to Tallahassee. Despite Davis’ early commitment to Clemson, he says he’s still open.
“I like everything about FSU,” said Davis, who at 6-foot-5 is probably one of the tallest cornerbacks you will see. He’s quite open, however, to switching to the offensive side of the ball. That’s something he definitely liked about both FSU and Clemson.
“They both talked to me about that,” said the 185-pound Davis. “I like it. I’d love to do it.”
All we need is a good showing this season on the field!
by DesiNole on Feb 27, 2010 9:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Agreed
With some good on-field showings, our next class should be very, very good (not that this last one wasn’t!).
I’m liking the commitments. As far as Davis goes, he could be very troublesome for opponents – his wingspan would make it difficult to sneak balls past him. Yikes.
Agreed, no disrespect to Clemson but I feel extremley confident
going up against just about any out of state school for instate recruit that this staff has as a priority.
So DBs on our board that are message board favorites are
Lyons, C-D and Hunter? Anyone else? Or take any of those 3 out?
"Trick is right."
Message board favorites? Robenson Therezie is in there.
I think the only other DB for us to get is Hasean Clinton-Dix.
SCALP 'EM SEMINOLES!
i like*
I meant to say I like Pryor over Therezie or whatever his name is. It seems like sometimes just bein from SoFla guarantees you at least 2 or 3 stars. I’ve watched Pryor play in person and he just seems like the real deal. I just hate for him to go to UF or Clemson because we took a kid from down south with a funny name. Maybe its just me but it seems as though we don’t recruit the kids from the Big Bend/Panhandle as much or as hard as other schools. The only kids that go to FSU from this region are usually die hard Seminoles to begin with (Big Bradham, McDaniel, Chris Thompson). Kinda got sidetracked but its just opinion. What do yall think?
by ApalachNole on Feb 28, 2010 10:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Where's FSU's influence in the Florida Panhandle, LA (lower Alabama) and Mississippi?
I agree. What’s Coach Craig up to? It is frustrating that we don’t own the Florida Panhandle. We do well-enough in South Georgia but should be able to recruit in southern Alabama, Mississippi, and occasionally, steal one from Louisiana as well. I thought that’s why we hired Dameyune Craig? He was supposed to open this close-by region to FSU. I was hoping his influence would have already been felt in turning HS talent in these areas…at least where some of this areas 4*’s would be listing FSU as a “possibilty.” But as of yet, NADA.
Sarcasm? I hope.
We are on Pryor. We already landed a commit from the panhandle. The front page of WC has a story about an AL kid that attended Junior Day. We’ve offered 10 from Alabama already.
"Trick is right."
I'll look again at the Big 3 Rating Services Again
The other day I checked, none of Alabama’s 4* players listed FSU as a favorite, high or a medium interest. I didn’t check 3 or 2*’s though.
Second Look
I see what your saying Tricknole. I wasn’t really counting Port St. Lucie as a strict Panhandle area, but I should have. I thought it was much more east then it is. However, revisting all the fourteen (14) 4 and 5* recruits in AL, MS, and LA, I still don’t see even ONE who has expressed ANY interest in FSU. And Pryor hasn’t received an offer from any BCS or SEC school, although he my be another one of our “under the radar” finds.
Port St. Joe*
And you cannot honestly expect a new coach to crack into another school’s locked up territory in their own home state and start landing recruits in 2 months. That’s absurd.
"Trick is right."
No, conceeding certain, close-by areas as, "Locked-up," is Absurd
For one thing…to one that sees the glass half-empty, ALL Areas are “locked up.” There is no such thing as a “wide open area.” You must kill and eat. You are always taking prospects, especially a highly-rated one, from someone else’s board. No one ever said it was going to be easy. If the state of Florida is “locked up” why does any college even bother recruiting down here??? If you look at some of Florida’s top 4 and 5* prospects they will always show interest in out of state schools like Clemson, AL, AU, UT, Michigan, ND etc. and on National Signing Day, some of our very best “locked down” athletes (as you say), always seem to leave the state…Hello.
I’m not saying Coach Craig should have the top 4 and 5* athletes within a short days drive from Tallahassee already commited, but I’m saying we should already be seeing at least a puff of smoke. Isn’t this why we said we hired him? Having at least ONE of the 14 top prospects in the surrounding states to show at least MINIMAL interest, is not asking for too much. Raise your standard..Expect more!
Who do you want?
That area is not an FSU area. It’s where the Bammers vacation.
The state of florida will never be completely locked down.
You read what I said and concluded that I'm conceding recruiting grounds?
Your absurdity continues.
"Trick is right."
You are being unrealistic
Alabama just won a title and has been on a lot of these kids for months and in some cases almost a year. You don’t simple hop in and beat that in a couple of months. Especially with a team that has won nothing of importance in almost a decade. Alabama has always been hard to break into because the kids there have nothing to root for other than Bama and Auburn. That goes all the way down to the 2* kids on the bench there. The Panhandle has been neglected for years under Bowden, so what makes you think Craig in 2 months can undue all of that damage? Especially competing against Saban’s machine. You have to give the man time. You are asking for the equivalent of FSU going undefeated or only losing one game in Jimbo’s first year. You need to be realistic.
by osceolafan850 on Feb 28, 2010 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
True on Therezie.
I meant more along the lines of favorites to fill out the class, not just favorites to discuss. I wasn’t clear. Therezie seems like a 5’9" free to me.
"Trick is right."
Some are suggesting that Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix.....
is pretty much a done deal and it ’s just a matter of when he goes public.
Damn a 6-5 corner?
He looks good though. I would like to see anyone try a fade pattern against that size.
Woke up this morning to a 6'5 CB...
jizzed my pants a little bit!!!
I don't really think that's a cool remark to make.
It’s actually weird, imo. Kind of like the guy the other day that asked if it was weird that he got an erection while watching one of the video interviews.
"Trick is right."
The fact that you think he is serious
is more humorous and disturbing than the original comment
As far Davis goes he looks good, i like the body control on the TD catch of his
CP7: Sliding is teh weak sauce
by stevegrizzle on Feb 28, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
You think I think he's serious?
If I thought he were serious I would’ve called him sad, not weird.
"Trick is right."
You hit it on the head grizzle
you must be a pretty sad individual to think that a comment like that made on a sports blog would be in the least bit serious….get real kid!!!
by j-will on Feb 28, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agree with tricknole that this particular oft-used comment is disturbing.
… and wish it would go away.
James Wilder II
From ESPN.com recruiting page, sounds promising:
James Wilder II wants to stay close to home and play running back
Big athlete James Wilder (Tampa, Fla./Plant) updated ESPN affiliate Web site NoleInsider.com on the current status of his recruitment.
“I think I’m likely to stay closer to home,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of thinking lately about it and it’s something I feel strongly about. However, I’m still open to any schools who want to recruit me, and I’m not totally closing out the idea of travelling away.” USC and Ohio State were two distance schools that could be in the mix.
“Right now I’ve been talking with Florida State, Georgia, Alabama, and Miami pretty frequently,” Wilder added. “I’ll be paying very close attention to Florida this year. I really want to see how they run their offense without Tebow there, and try to see how I could fit into their system.”
Additionally, he stated, “I want to play running back in college. I know a lot of schools want me to play linebacker, but I really prefer running back.”
by FtLauderdaleNole on Feb 28, 2010 12:21 PM EST reply actions
Probably 90%+ know this, but....
Wilder’s dad played RB….
I think any school that really wants him should be talking to him about RB. Some of it might be my bias, but looking at the list of schools, UF seems to be the worst fit for him— though I guess that’s why he said he would keep a close eye on what they’re doing this year.
Meh
There are better backs on our board. However, this may be a case of getting him on campus and then him “realizing” that LB is his future. If we don’t get/want him, we need to be funneling to UGA or Bama.
>>---l>
This kid is being extremely shortsighted, but at 17 it's understandable
I don’t know when he’ll realize he’s not as heavily coveted as other backs like Lane, Crowell, or Bellamy. That realization may come too late, because everyone who is recruiting him is planning a bait and switch, like you’re kinda inferring. I hope he realizes his future sooner rather than later but definitely go somewhere other than UF. I hope Jimbo is playing chess on this one
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 28, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
We should recruit Wilder as a RB
Since Wilder wants to play RB, recruit him as a RB. Look how FSU turned Rodney Hudson from a DL to the All-American OL, and probable first round NFL pick, he is now. Even if UF tries to convince Wilder he could play RB for them, he is definitely not a fit for them or any other spread offense. While the qualities that some of the experts say he’s lacking, such as his “allusiveness” (he definitely not scat back material) and erect running, this skill set is not as crucial in Jimbo’s (now Gran’s) system. Wilder’s athletic and mental skills are a perfect fit in our RB system. It puts more emphasis on fast, (not so much dodgie) powerful backs who can break arm tackles and can integrate concise North-South bursts behind the O-line. Also…imagine the bone-crushing hurt Wilder could inflict on the opponent’s pass rushers after they think they have a clear bead on Ponder!
After making the proper blocker reads and trusting the system, Wilder would be able to use his quick first step and straight line, acceleration to arrive at the seam just as it’s opening into a hole large enough for him to storm through. Juking or making defenders “miss” is not as important in FSU’s RB system then putting the defender into a position of attempting to arm tackle. Once a confrontation with a defender becomes inevitable, Wilder has the ability to make a defender “hurt” as he lowers the shoulder and falls forward for another two yards. As one of the top-rated defender in the country, he will have no trouble adjusting to the physicality Coach Gran demands from his RB’s. In fact, his quick first step, strength, speed, mean streak, love of contact, and refusal to go out of bounds ALREADY has been defined. Coach Gran would say, "That boy’s Got Crud!"
Dude doesn't have nearly the foot quickness. He gathers himself before almost every cut
For a system in which you have to oftentimes plant your foot, redirect, and accelerate through a crease instead of simply powering through a pre-determined hole (Which he’d excel at due to his size and and initial burst). He’d be playing at around 6-3 235-240,big but also very angular. If I am running a zone blocking system and I have a 230 plus pound back. I’d prefer him to be more compact. Tall angular big guys have a much tougher time planting and redirecting themselves. Shanahan had more success than anyone in that system, but it was with backs with a different physical profile than J-Dub Jr. You have all the size you want, but if you lack foot quickness it won’t matter in that system
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 28, 2010 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
I personally like Wilder better at LB but I wouldn't write him off at RB
I did that some years back with TJ Duckett and he turned out to be a first rd pick (althought I still think he could have been better at LB). He would have been a Nole too if we would have recruited him as a RB instead of a LB. Him and Dockett were pretty tight as recruits back in the day.
If we miss on our other targets( including Buie), fine
I’m just in the minority as far as his RB skills are concerned. TJ was 6-1 254 so his dimensions are not that far off from JWJ. Taller big backs always risk injuries to their lower extremities due to the fact everyone is going to go low to initiate contact with them. Before this past NFL season, I tried to tell people Brandon Jacobs was gonna be toast in two years
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 28, 2010 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
This is why Jimbo and Co. are paid the big $
I’m sure if Jimbo or Gran thought Wilder may work at RB they would swoop in to give in an offer. Most wouldn’t have thought Hudson would have so successful on the other side of the ball either. It’s just hard to a football player with the skills of Wilder get away. While some schools will lie to him, I know we won’t. I wonder if his skill set is better matched to a blocking fullback?
Sorry westcoastnole..
I replied to your 4:57 PM post and it slid down a few “That’s why Jimbo and Co. are paid the big$”
Davis is committed trick
Speak softly, and carry a big Spear
by tdchrisdavis on Feb 28, 2010 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
supposedly he aint 6 5'
more like between 6 3’ and 6 4’ which i like even better
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