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Running Back Devonta Freeman Commits To Florida State

29seminoles by Bud Elliott on in FSU Football Recruiting Comment 251 comments

Freeman pictured at 5'9" 185lbs before last season. He is now 5'10" and somewhere between 195 and 215lbs. Photo courtesy of EliteScoutingServices.com

Freeman pictured at 5'9" 185lbs before last season. He is now 5'10" and somewhere between 195 and 215lbs. Photo courtesy of EliteScoutingServices.com

View full size photo »

Devonta Freeman, a talented running back out of Miami Central high school has committed to Florida State.  Freeman is one of if not the best running back in the Dade/ Broward/ Palm Beach area.  Freeman stands 5'10" and is believed to weigh in anywhere from 195 lbs to 215 lbs, as reports have him this summer.  It is undisputed, however, that Freeman has recently added a lot of muscle to his frame.  Devonta was the backup to 4-star running back Brandon Gainer (Kentucky Commitment) last season, so he flew a bit under the radar.  Before that he played for Miami Edison.  This Spring, however, he has exploded onto the scene, earning offers from Florida State and Auburn, among others.  Florida is expected to offer as well.  

The first thing you notice about Freeman's film is his toughness.  A hard-nosed runner with excellent forward lean.  Though he played injured last season at 5'9" 185, he is very difficult to bring down.  Freeman aggressively hits the hole and doesn't dance much.  Freeman really does a nice job exploding out of his cuts, as opposed to some backs who must gather themselves and lose speed.  Freeman had good but not great speed.  When you watch his tape, he does not seem to be a huge home-run threat, but then you remember he is playing in Florida's top division (6A football).  Nobody playing 6A football in Dade County is that much faster than everyone else.  Freeman also is very willing to block and does a nice job catching the ball.  In a nutshell, he is a tough, no-nonsense runner who was already impressive last year when he was a bit undersized and injured.  Now healthy and continuing to mature physically (he has packed on at least 10 lbs of muscle this Summer), look for him to really explode onto the scene this year.

Having produced five All-SEC running backs in his career, Florida State running backs coach Eddie Gran definitely knows his backs and Freeman reportedly wowed the staff at the recent Jimbo Fisher camp.  This is another example of Florida State's staff being out in front of other staffs.  Freeman is listed as a two-star on ESPN and Scout, and has not yet been evaluated by Rivals.  We suspect that is due to his limited role last season behind Brandon Gainer.  

Freeman is Florida State's 14th commitment of the 2011 class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in the country.  For more on all of FSU's commitments, see the Recruiting Board.  Freeman is not already qualified, but Miami Central's top three players last year were not either at this point and they were all able to make the grades.  

To view his film, click "continue reading"

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Read More: devonta freeman, fsu recruiting, florida state recruiting, Florida St. Seminoles

Comments

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Good stuff, we saw this coming right after he earned his offer

I like Freeman a lot. Think FSU is done at RB now?

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 11:45 AM EDT reply actions  

I would say yes

with wilder as the exception

by xnolex on Jun 24, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

We'

Accountabilty is back in Tallahassee....

by TLHWG on Jun 24, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

*re

in Aaron Green’s top 4… and so is Texas, which will get a commitment from Malcom Brown… which means we’re in his top 3. Nebraska is believed to lead for Green though…

Accountabilty is back in Tallahassee....

by TLHWG on Jun 24, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Green to Nebraska is all but a done deal

IMO he’s like Hart with FSU

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Beverly has a torn ACL, and Freeman is not yet qualified

We’re probably gonna need another source of insurance at the position….I would imagine that Wilder or Crowell would instantly be accepted. I also think the staff has a few guys they can swoop in on at the last minute in the worst case scenario.

OPINION BASED ON CAVEMAN’S RANDOM THOUGHTS NOT SOURCED OR INFLUENCED BY ANYONE BUT ME
Hows that for a disclaimer

by Caveman Mafia on Jun 24, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think we willl take more than 20 in this class

im thinking 23 or 24, we still need 3 more olinemen, and a few more dlinemen, plus the NSD decisions, and under armor decisions

by xnolex on Jun 24, 2010 11:46 AM EDT reply actions  

Welcome Devonta! Go Noles!

Glad we were all over this kid. Apparently ESPN was not since they said he was a mid-major back.

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 11:50 AM EDT reply actions  

They can Eval the film

but they don’t always get the specifics (was the kid injured, has he grown, etc)

Ponder lacks arm strength? Think again.

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by Bud Elliott on Jun 24, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

They'll change their tune after Freeman gets some run as the feature this season

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

They’ll probably change it now since he committed to us…see also: Coker, Jacob ;)

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions  

I remember Greg Dent from last year!

He showed up in all the big games irrespective of ratings!

by DesiNole on Jun 24, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hopefully he will qualify. Don't know his grade situation, but what I do know is that Central and Edison are not academic powerhouses.

On the other hand, neither is Northwestern, and UM seems to be able to get them qualified. Hope the young man qualifies and sticks to his commitment.

>-----:----:------>Spearing 'em and Scalping 'em like it's 1999
I'm not so sure this Jimbo fella is the right man for the job.

by FrankDNole on Jun 24, 2010 11:57 AM EDT reply actions  

Good Eval bud!

I would still think we will take atleast 1 more RB this cycle if anyone from the elite group who are still considering us wants to committ i.e. Brown/Wilder/Crowell/Green.

by DesiNole on Jun 24, 2010 11:59 AM EDT reply actions  

Did Reese qualify?

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not sure, but Bud had this:
Freeman is not already qualified, but Miami Central’s top three players last year were not either at this point and they were all able to make the grades.

I was assuming that was the Trio, but I could be wrong.

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think Hart and Williams are the next two to drop this summer

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 12:06 PM EDT reply actions  

i think williams waits a long time

because he wants that miami offer and he will wait for it as long as he can, but i hope im wrong

by xnolex on Jun 24, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

He can still wait for that offer while he's committed to FSU

Think he saves his spot and goes public this summer

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Williams?

Speed is a great asset; but it's greater when it's combined with quickness - and there's a big difference.
- Ty Cobb

by badknees81 on Jun 24, 2010 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Carlos is committed correct?

Speed is a great asset; but it's greater when it's combined with quickness - and there's a big difference.
- Ty Cobb

by badknees81 on Jun 24, 2010 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Looks like JF won't be half the NSD closer than Bobby was

… because we won’t have anyone left!

Team Gold - Winner of the 1st TN FSU Spring Football Fantasy Draft

by basaltrock on Jun 24, 2010 12:08 PM EDT reply actions  

o ok

NSD will still be eventful, but i think i prefer having the majority of the class done now

by xnolex on Jun 24, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

I had a dream (nightmare) that Steward committed to Clemson

Football season can’t get here fast enough.

Shot a Gator in Jean Shorts just to watch him die.

by AMFKNole on Jun 24, 2010 12:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

I know what you meant…

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

It might just be me

But I want to see the ACC pull kids from SEC territory. Brings me almost as much satisfaction as FSU signing an elite prospect.

by Cheaptalk on Jun 24, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

It might just be you...

Since we’d have to face those kids in the ACC.

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Umm

As long as those kids always go to the SEC, the SEC will always have that recruiting advantage that none of us likes very much. If a few more come to the ACC, maybe we can start limiting that “SEC is everything in CFB” mentality (and then we wouldn’t necessarily have to jump if invited during the next expansion phase).

by Invictus13 on Jun 24, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

There are more factors driving that hype machine though.

We’ll be fine recruiting, and can hang with the SEC. We held our own with only 2 active recruiters. We don’t want the Christian Lemays and Tony Stewards going to Clemson. It’s about Winning.

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

The kids going there isn't what gives them the advantage

It is the ESPN push and the general idea that their conference is better than every other conference in the nation. If they still got the kids but not the hype then there is no advantage.

by osceolafan2.0 on Jun 24, 2010 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Except 4 consecutive BCS titles

Hype or not, that speaks volumes to some people.

by Invictus13 on Jun 24, 2010 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

That speaks of teams

and not leagues. The hype is what gets kind all excited about UGA, UT, Arkansas etc. There is little to no difference between their current level and Va Tech and dozens of other teams. But playing in the SEC gives them a bump

by osceolafan2.0 on Jun 24, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hype alone doesn't do it

ESPN could proclaim the SEC to be the CFB promised land all it wanted to, but without some high-profile wins and BCS titles to back it up, I don’t think it would be all that effective (instead, it would open the SEC up to lots of jokes – lots of SEC haters out there).

So, how does the SEC “back it up”? By the types of players they get, and the on-field results they produce. So, if the ACC eats into that territory a bit more (like Cheap said he likes to see), it will be harder for the SEC to be as “dominant” as they’ve appeared. If the SEC suddenly started playing like the Big East, ESPN wouldn’t hype them as the king of CFB. So, I do think that the types of players they pull in have a lot to do with it – now, at least (if not at the start of the hype).

by Invictus13 on Jun 25, 2010 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

What have

Aub, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Miss State etc done to help any of that in the last 5 years? The fact that you said if they played like the Big East is actually a statement driven by the hype. Pitt, Cincy, and WVU are equal to or almost equal to several teams that get the SEC bump and honestly probably not that far away from where UGA and LSU are currently. Those high profile wins and BCS titles are a reflection of the small group at the top of the SEC and not the conference as a whole. But the hype has let the achievements of a few, UF,Bama and LSU, become a bonus to the many, the rest of the conference.

For example UGA hasn’t played for a NC and has 2 SEC championships in the last 25 years. In the same time span VT has won 6 conference titles and played for 1 NC. Yet most people will see UGA as the more elite program. The resumes for most of the SEC are far worse than UGA’s.

by osceolafan2.0 on Jun 25, 2010 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, but

One might argue that VT was playing against the weaker ACC schedule rather than the SEC schedule. I think a good way to look at that argument is with bowl games (and regular season non-conference BCS matchups, but that data is a little harder to gather). A quick search found the following data:

      Bowls Wins Losses Ties Win %
SEC 348 190 149 9 0.559
Pac-10 193 103 88 2 0.539
Big Ten 209 97 111 1 0.467
ACC 166 81 83 2 0.494
Big 8 127 63 63 1 0.5
Southwest 151 63 80 8 0.444
Big 12 92 45 47 0 0.489
Big East 76 42 34 0 0.553
WAC 101 42 58 1 0.421

Historically, the SEC dominates the bowl games.

http://www.secsportsfan.com/top-college-football-bowl-conference.html

by SteelerNole21 on Jun 25, 2010 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

I'm losing track of whatever it is you are trying to say

You say that the SEC is all hype, but you also say the best teams of the Big East are “probably not that far away” from teams like UGA – a team you argue hasn’t done much on the national scale. So, the best teams of the BE conference are probably almost as good as second tier SEC schools? And the SEC is just hype, not actually better?

Plus, I think people view UGA as a more elite program (than VT) because you really need to go back to the 1995 Sugar Bowl to find VT beating a non-conf Top Ten opponent (they beat #9 Texas 28-10). Even during a 5-loss season, UGA beat #7 GT just last year; they tagged #10 Hawaii in the 08 Sugar Bowl (whatever you think of Hawaii, it’s something VT hasn’t done); oh, and an unranked UGA team beat #14 VT 31-24 in the 06 Chick-fil-A Bowl.

So… VT wins more (inferior) conference titles. Big whoop. They played for one NC (lost by 17). Remind me to be impressed when they make a big splash in a national, non-conference game… and not the type of splash that comes from a 7-48 thumping delivered by #2 LSU in 07. Maybe the fact that they only lost by 10 points to Bama last year should count in their favor??

by Invictus13 on Jun 25, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions  

My argument is

The top of the SEC is elite, namely Bama and UF, but the best is no different than the rest of the country. For example your case is made by poking holes into Vt instead of building up UGA. As of right now there is little to nothing separating UGA, MSU, Ole Miss, UT etc from the rest of college football. Even the dread SEC SoS is inflated by having two elite teams which gives major bumps to the average teams’ ratings.

by osceolafan2.0 on Jun 25, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

True, Bama and uf are biggies

But I’m not sure that the rest of the conf is just like everyone else. Richt gets a lot of criticism… for averaging 10 wins a season. LSU, Aub, Tenn are all schools that have been at the current Bama/uf level within the last decade (if for shorter bursts). That’s half the schools that have proven they can be elite (with the right coaches).

The B10 has Mich, OSU, PSU (3). The BE has, um, maybe WV (1-ish). The ACC has FSU, UM, VT (3; I think a couple others could potentially be). The BXII has/had Tex, Okla, Neb (3; though a few others have had some 10-win seasons lately). The Pac-10 has USC (maybe Oreg is becoming a second).

The BXII has placed teams in the BCSCG 7 times, the SEC next at 6 – the ACC, BE, B10 are all tied with three appearances (FSU accounting for all of the ACC’s, in the first three games held). Three BXII teams have played in the CG, but FOUR SEC teams have played in it (the BE had 2 teams, but both have migrated to the ACC). A third of the SEC has played in (and won) BCS CGs. That indicates some depth there.

The hype has some basis – but the original argument (I think) was whether or not the types of players going to the SEC or ACC would affect the recruiting advantage of the SEC. I say it would, because if fewer elite players go there, they’ll place fewer teams in the BCS CG, and this current hype-driven fad will fade somewhat – I hope. But, the mystique surrounding that conf seems to have some merit, I think. I don’t think any other conf has the potential the SEC has, given the mixture of recruiting and finances.

PS Sorry for sounding snippy at the end of my previous comment. Little sleep = easily gumpified.

by Invictus13 on Jun 25, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

The reality is that the perception of the ACC rests on the shoulders of FSU and miami.

The parity in the ACC hasn’t been seen as a strength, even though there are many good teams (not great); In fact, it has been used to point out the mediocrity of the conference. As long as we are losing to NC State, Maryland, WF, etc… the conference will be perceived as down. That’s why I feel it is more important for FSU to win, then for NC State, WF, Maryland to pull SEC recruits. Does it matter to Texas if Kansas gets elite recruits?

The ACC is tough enough that if we elevate our play, and win, we’ll be fine. This is really similar to the scheduling smarter vs playing big OOC opponents argument IMO.

by jasonole59 on Jun 25, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree that we need to win

But once we get back on top, I wouldn’t mind a few “SEC-caliber” players going to other ACC schools (with the most coming here, I hope!). If we have a couple elite teams, and the rest of the conf stays solid, then I don’t think the SEC hype would be as successful.

However, if it’s a “FSU (and maybe UM or VT) and the Ten Dwarves” scenario, then I think the SEC hype remains and it could hurt us on the recruiting trail because some people would think it is so much better for them to play in the SEC (I disagree, overall).

I definitely don’t want Clem, VT, UNC, UM, and GT to all become as “elite” as I hope we become. But a few more high-profile ACC players could help the conf as a whole. I think that’s what Cheap meant quite a few posts back.

by Invictus13 on Jun 25, 2010 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

If Tony Steward goes with his heart

he’ll be all Nole, but if he doesn’t look out for Bama

Jacksonville Seminole Club @ jaxnoles.com
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by mauricel on Jun 24, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Clemson is a legit player as well

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree

i take my vacation nsd, just to sit in front of the tv with my boys. one is an ou fan one likes miami and one likes penn st.

by seminole4 on Jun 24, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is why I advocate

genetic manipulation preconception…

Choose height, weight, eye color, and football team preference…

Not an alcoholic, just an FSU grad.

by onebarrelrum on Jun 24, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Holding on to the commits will be the big thing

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

No doubt

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

A couple of comparisons that I saw

are Cadillac Williams (first play on the clip looks exactly like Cadillac) and Quinton Sproles (especially on the play when he’s running up the left sideline).

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi
"We'll win games with talent, we'll win championships with character." Jimbo Fisher

by RishiM on Jun 24, 2010 12:18 PM EDT reply actions  

yes, don't know where the Quinton came from.

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi
"We'll win games with talent, we'll win championships with character." Jimbo Fisher

by RishiM on Jun 24, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I was confused but no big deal.

But Freeman will be/is a good bit bigger than Sproles but not nearly as fast.

by nolesblogger on Jun 24, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Also I love his burst

on the 2nd last play of the clip I think best illustrates that aspect of his game IMO.

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi
"We'll win games with talent, we'll win championships with character." Jimbo Fisher

by RishiM on Jun 24, 2010 12:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Hate to disrespect the man, the myth, our legend James Coley.

But Eddie Gran has been our best recruiter this year at this point. Hart, Greene, Freeman off the top of my head have committed post-NSD. Coley should hopefully be coming back with a commit in the next month.

74 days till Samford. 09.04.10.

by DA-2 on Jun 24, 2010 12:20 PM EDT reply actions  

I thought Coley was Palm Beach and Miami-Dade, whereas Gran was Broward.

Gran bringing in the STA kids (Hart – I keep forgetting he isn’t ‘committed’, Greene). Then you have to attribute Freeman to Gran, because although Freeman is from Miami, he wasn’t offered till he got up to FSU. In which case he was with his position coach Eddie Gran.

Nonetheless, pretty great recruiting staff so far. Fisher, Gran, Coley, Craig, Dawsey and Elliot have impressed me thus far.

74 days till Samford. 09.04.10.

by DA-2 on Jun 24, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

From the Eddie Gran PC
In what is his most heralded role, Gran will team with James Coley to recruit the hotbed of South Florida. According to Gran, he and coach Coley will mostly split up the region, with Coley taking West Palm Beach County and Gran taking Broward County. He said from there, they each take a part of Dade County based on local familiarity.

by 504Nole on Jun 24, 2010 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm worried

Is anyone else a little worried with all of the 3 stars (and now freeman is listed as a two star) that we are taking. Right now we are averaging a 3.14 star rating on average. Thats doesn’t even make top 25 usually. Last year Miami did with a 3.14 (#16 class) but thats cause the had nearly 30 commits. Any thoughts? Where are my 4 and 5 stars?

by camfsu04e on Jun 24, 2010 12:23 PM EDT reply actions  

its early in the process

our prospects like freeman will get bumped up because he will hopefully have a good senior season, remember he was fighting injuries last season

by xnolex on Jun 24, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

What's the likelihood that some of our recruits who are 100% locked up

don’t get offers from the other big programs, just so their ranking stays low?

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

zero

That is exactly what Miami did last year and the one before, They didn’t offer because they didn’t want to fight, and they’ll be burned for it after this year.

Besides, if you don’t offer you don’t have a chance, and every school wants a chance to get elite talent.

And I’m sure some schools don’t believe anyone is “100% locked up”. As the old saying goes, “Everything is Always For Sale”

by freshcollegeboy on Jun 24, 2010 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Haha

that last quote reminded me of Ron Burgundy’s “When in Rome” quote. No idea how that applies ;-)

by freshcollegeboy on Jun 24, 2010 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

What backs in Florida would you take over Freeman?

Wilder
Bellamy
Blakely
Lane (assuming he’s healthy?)

Some will say Dee Hart and Andrew Buie but they don’t do anything for me.

Ponder lacks arm strength? Think again.

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by Bud Elliott on Jun 24, 2010 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wilder

He’s just sooooo gifted, and even if it doesn’t work out we still have some very solid backs.

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm talking more about guys like Coker who we discovered.

I think there is zero chance he de-commits from the big-time school that offered him when he was no one. If no other big time programs offer, his rating will probably never increase much.

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

His profile was raised by the FSU commit for certain but he was gonna get some looks

But he’s definitely gonna elicit some attention. “The wing-t quarterback who got who outdid Brisset, Worley and Rivers at FSU’s camp”. That will resonate with some people IMO. I think folks will remember that, go over his film, track his progression,and react accordingly. The cats out the bag with Coker. Freeman was just a matter of time

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I understand the cat's out of the bag, but

do the big-time programs (UF, Bama, etc.) avoid him just to keep his stars low? I’ve always wondered if stuff like this happens, so Urban can tell recruits that FSU has a crappy 2* QB coming in.

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

And I must say I took a bit of satisfaction in the Freeman commit (Thats why I've been all over it)

Thought he was a big time player and even better than the guy he was backing up (Gainer) just from watching him get a handful of carries against MNW last year. I thought I was buggin by having such a high opinion of a kid who was a backup. Glad to know my eyes didn’t fool me

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Like the "crappy 2* QB" urbie took last year?

I don’t know what that kid may or may not be in the future, but uf took a 2* QB this year (and a 3* one). I wouldn’t put anything past urbie, but I don’t see why he’d knock on our guy in that way.

by Invictus13 on Jun 24, 2010 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah

I was just quoting from above, since uf did take a 2* guy.

I like the mini-roll we’re on right now, btw. Nothing like a couple commitments to brighten a summer day…

by Invictus13 on Jun 24, 2010 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm loving these recruits as well.

I’m just new to all of the strategy that comes with recruiting. I guess my knowledge only goes as far as the former staff, “See what everyone’s saying online.” ;)

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rivals

4 4*s the rest 3*s and Freeman isnt posted yet?

by camfsu04e on Jun 24, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ah, Rivals

To be honest, I am really not comfortable with their evaluators. They have lost so many good guys in recent years. I can’t even see WHY they rank kids as they do. ESPN at least gives explanations that you can agree or disagree with, ya know?

Rivals has 2 Fla running backs with NO Big-3 offers in the top 100 players in America. Seriously.

I wouldn’t worry about it. I am realllll confident Rivals will bump many of these kids.

Ponder lacks arm strength? Think again.

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by Bud Elliott on Jun 24, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed

Remember that Rivals ratings are designed to be generic, i.e., for every and no coach. So they don’t necessarily value the same attributes that a particular coach values b/c of that coach’s philosophy/style. Take the example of QB and what Rivals values compared to Jimbo:

Rivals: high school stats, height, weight, 40, arm strength.

Jimbo: toughness, intelligence (broadly defined), arm strength, accuracy, frame, leadership and character.

High ratings are nice but they’re not necessary for success/winning. Also, Freeman isn’t rated yet by Rivals… just like NLS (now #20 DT), Lovelady (now #9 OL), etc…

Accountabilty is back in Tallahassee....

by TLHWG on Jun 24, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Freeman will be bumped up

he has offers from Florida and Auburn… and more will likely come. Coker is a kid for whom I don’t see much of a bump coming b/c of his base O… I can only see him getting a bump based on scouting at (future) camps.

The more I follow recruiting, the more I notice that prospect ratings are as determined by offers as by scouts. Recruiting agencies are forced to revise their rankings (again, based on offers) in order to maintain legitimacy.

Accountabilty is back in Tallahassee....

by TLHWG on Jun 24, 2010 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

camfsu04e

Cam Wade, did you open a TN account?

…just kidding. Bud and SWFL made an excellent point of kids who are Rivals 3 stars being 4 star fits for Jimbo’s system. Always consider how they’ll fit in the system. FSU doesn’t need a RB stable full of burners and waterbugs.

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Compare ESPNs to Rivals stars

I think Rivals is behind the game on evaluating this year.

FSU Football 2010: "Everyone gets a playbook."

by ricobert1 on Jun 24, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

Nice vision, leg drive, awareness and lean. Gran is not going to take just some chump.

by CJS55 on Jun 24, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

[Puzzled look]

Signed,
Everyone born after 1985

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh I got it. ;)

Techmo was always a fav of mine.

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

ROM

NESoid app, nintendo emulator

by harper.rb on Jun 24, 2010 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

iPhone as well

*If it is jailbroken

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

just made my day

Bring Back PT Willis -------> A True Nole!!!

by Marmaduke1 on Jun 25, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Do you mean born BEFORE 1985?

I think the younger guys are way familiar with B buttons.

by Invictus13 on Jun 24, 2010 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Unless you’re talking super mario bros. Where the b button makes you run. Pre 85 knows all about that.

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

My Bad

Definitely before. Is it Friday yet?

Bring back Korey Mangum — a true Nole!

by SoCalNole on Jun 24, 2010 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Welcome aboard

look forward to him being a tough yard churner, and with a quality S&C program he will surely pick up a few steps. I am also looking forward to get the last laugh on some of these kids. More than a few gates on the net have tried to downplay the number of commits by implying the kids were scrubs. But by the end of the year I expect more than a few of them to be 4*

by osceolafan2.0 on Jun 24, 2010 12:37 PM EDT reply actions  

I like this whole idea about Fisher's 3 * s and having an eye for talent

BUT it completely contradicts the articles written earlier about Miami and how they took a bunch of 3 *s and because of it, they are going down hill…

So which one is it?? Is Miami going downhill because they took on a lot of 3* studs from Miami, or is talent evaluation more important than the meaning of stars??? – CANT have both

by LETSGONOLES on Jun 24, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

ours are three star guys destined to blow up

they had POST evaluation 2/3 star guys who weren’t going anywhere.

by Nole2005 on Jun 24, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is the big difference

We are taking 3* guys who have or quickly get offers from programs who know what they are looking for. Like Auburn, Miss State, Florida, etc. Miami was pulling guys out of the Northeast with offers from Buffalo. Also, with a possible debate over our WR depth chart, Fisher seems to be building a better roster than Shannon when it comes to distribution of positions. Canes have/had a mess at QB and RB and so far are yet to land their star dlineman or LB of the future.

by osceolafan2.0 on Jun 24, 2010 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Two things. I think the huge difference between Miami 2010 and FSU 2011 is the little known secret about rivals.

There’s a ton of instability there. Evaluators are leaving. I think you’d be better off caring what ESPN says. FSU ranked #6 last year in ESPN’s final class of 2010. What are we ranked now? Somewhere high (although it’s not fair, because we’re having a Texas like start of having the class filled). Second off, I don’t think people know that rivals expands its amount of 5 stars and 4 stars at the end of the season. Last year, I believe they started around 10 5 stars. It went all the way up to 25ish by the end of the cycle. 4 stars increased as well. It’s too early to judge based on rivals (if you even trust rivals).

74 days till Samford. 09.04.10.

by DA-2 on Jun 24, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

FSU has 6 kids in the ESPNU 150

8 4*s, 5 4*s, and 1 2* (and there is no way in hell Freeman stays a 2*).

Ponder lacks arm strength? Think again.

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by Bud Elliott on Jun 24, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

plus

brutus will probably end up on there too

by xnolex on Jun 24, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

hahah I know its your favorite thing to do to contradict me, but that wouldnt be both. If Rivals bumped up their stars it would be a different story. But if everything held as it is and we had a bunch of 3*s, then I would argue, you cant have both – cant have our class made up of 3 *s and say we are going to be great, and have the U with a bunch of 3 *s and saying they are headed downhill

by LETSGONOLES on Jun 24, 2010 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

We have so many members, there aren't that many who stand out and I definitely don't have it out for anyone

If things stay as they are, which is 8 4*s, 5 3*s, and a 2*, and we keep that same ratio and take 22, I’ll be very happy. That’d be a very nice average per player.

Ponder lacks arm strength? Think again.

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by Bud Elliott on Jun 24, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nothing I've seen thusfar mentions academics.

Any risk for this kid? Or is he another one of those “Oh yeah, by the way, I just scored a 30 on my ACT on the way to football practice” kind of kids?

I bleed Garnet and piss Gold.

by DutchFSU on Jun 24, 2010 1:09 PM EDT reply actions  

This is a concern for me to be honest

He did transfer from Edison HS. If I am correct, thats the same HS Joyner lives down the street from but never even considered attending due to the reputation it held. I believe I read it was either a D or F rated school. Hopefully this is not an issue and Freeman will qualify just as Gainer, Godfrey,and Reese did last year

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Edison is a very VERY bad school.

School employees have been stabbed and shot. This school transcends your run-of-the-mill race wars….the crux of the race issues in that school stem from the Haitian-American students’ friction with the local African-American community. The security staff at that school is loyal to a man to the principal. The facility is built in the style of a modern prison. Other than that, the Red Raiders have one of the coolest mascots in miami-dade

by Caveman Mafia on Jun 24, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well

I think we can all agree that he is very talented, lets just hope that being in a better environment really benefits him, and i don’t mean in football.

by freshcollegeboy on Jun 24, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

School question

I should probably know this, but does the grade of school affect what a player has to do to qualify, i.e., does a kid who goes to a shit school have to have a higher GPA or SAT/ACT score to qualify or does the fact that he goes to shit school mean the odds of him reaching that score go down – sorry for using the word shit, I just like saying shit school.

by CJS55 on Jun 24, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

No it does not

but poorer schools probably offer less individual help.

Ponder lacks arm strength? Think again.

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by Bud Elliott on Jun 24, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

RE: ...And I don't mean football.

The kind of comment a Gata will never make. And thats sad.

I bleed Garnet and piss Gold.

by DutchFSU on Jun 24, 2010 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

People who might be concerned with Freeman's supposed lack of speed may need to remember

he’s more physically talented than Gainer and Gainer got a scollie to an SEC school (Kentucky, but still). Definitely a quick player. Better initial burst than top end speed, but the speed is a bit better than average. He’s playing Daytona Beach Mainland and a bunch of Dade county schools on his tape as Bud pointed out.

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 1:17 PM EDT reply actions  

at the 1:05 mark of the video davis quits on that play…

by Terance Austin on Jun 24, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

LOL

I saw that one. Can’t miss Cortez’ hair!

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Based upon the eval and the tapes, Freeman has exactly the skill set

called for by FSU’s zone blocking scheme that was explained in a great TN article a while back. He picks the hole, makes one cut and explodes quicklly through, running through tackles to get to the second level. IMO, not only will he get more star(s) when he starts this year, Gran may have decided he was just right for the zone blocking system, which makes him even more valuable.

by Nole75 on Jun 24, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Better back?

Who do you think is a better back for our system. Beverly or Freeman?

by camfsu04e on Jun 24, 2010 1:39 PM EDT reply actions  

A healthy Beverly fits it perfectly

We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.

by NoleThruandThru on Jun 24, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree

Beverly’s vision and quick feet mesh perfectly with what is asked. His footwork is cleaner and cuts are more deft than Freeman’s. Freeman has quick feet as well. Not the mention the burst and leg drive thats an underrated but oh so important part of what the Gibbs/Shanahan influenced scheme that we use

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Pretty Bold Statement

" look for him to really explode onto the scene and be the best back in all of Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach."

- You really think that Bud?

by LETSGONOLES on Jun 24, 2010 1:58 PM EDT reply actions  

haha its not my job to know

Im just askin…. You really believe that ?? A simple yes or no and a verified explanation would have done

by LETSGONOLES on Jun 24, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

You're not going to tell me how to answer you after you call me out.

I don’t see a better runner in the tri-county. Some would argue Tre Mason, but he runs behind 2 Division 1 tackles and doesn’t play nearly the competition that Freeman plays.

Ponder lacks arm strength? Think again.

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by Bud Elliott on Jun 24, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

and this is a free blog

technically, it’s nobody’s “Job” on here to know. I’m sure none of the contributors are able to pay their bills off of this site at this point.

by jasonole59 on Jun 24, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is that

a 17yr old Ronnie Brown? That was my first impression; (Ronnie and Cadillac mix even?) Eddie Gran knows his RB’s…and he plays in a VERY difficult class 6A Miami school district. If he stays healthy (due to his running style and O-Line) he will have everyone’s attention by mid season. He has the stage to himself, his college decision behind him and time to focus on becoming an elite back with an elite university! Touchdown Freeman! Go Noles!

by NoleforLife on Jun 24, 2010 2:29 PM EDT reply actions  

He definitely looks like he minimizes those "negative plays"

I know these were his highlights (obviously), but he does seem to get something after first contact just about every time.

by Invictus13 on Jun 24, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

@GerryH247sports has had the chance to scout new FSU RB commit Devonta Freeman personally twice and loves him.

Devonta Freeman was very impressive the day I visited Central for spring practice. 2012 WR Dequan West (6-2, 190) also very talented.

Also a huge fan of Miami Central RB Devonta Freeman. Great RB body type. Excellent feet in the hole & finishes runs with lean. 5-9, 194

http://twitter.com/GerryH247sports

http://twitter.com/jcshurburtt

by FSUSOM on Jun 24, 2010 4:51 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe people already saw this...

But Hamilton rated our class #6 yesterday, before this committment. In pretty good company – basically surrounded on the list by all the national championship contenders of recent years. Amazing considering how far we have been from that description

Rankings

by LouC on Jun 24, 2010 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like it. This kid looks like a Gran hand picked RB.

He fits the mold of a Gran back. Short and stocky with wiggle. I’m happy with this pickup.

GO NOLES!!! SCALP EM!

by NOLEFAN1 on Jun 24, 2010 5:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Love how hard he is to bring down and just powers through arm tackles

I think his speed looks good even against 6A comp. His acceleration isn’t astounding, but I like how he doesn’t lose much speed after a cut.

"Kill a fly with an axe"

by SteadfastNole on Jun 24, 2010 5:17 PM EDT reply actions  

He is very fast

Probably a 4.5 – 4.6, however, I could see him running a 4.4 eventually.

He looks like Ricky Williams to me. Same stride and same ridiculously big arms.

He will do great things. Best wishes to him. Get the grades up. Stay healthy. Nothing to worry about here.

Great grab!

by Trus1te on Jun 24, 2010 5:19 PM EDT reply actions  

This is a kid that I use to always keep tabs on because I really liked his running style. Watched a few of their games, saw them out at the Bobby Bowden camp, talked to guys from the area.

I think FSU will be happy with this pick up

Tomahawknation.com

by SWFLNole. on Jun 24, 2010 5:21 PM EDT reply actions  

I'd been wondering about this kid for around six months

I left it alone after Febuary when I didn’t hear anything. Glad to see my curiousity wasn’t piqued for nothing. Never thought he’d end up at FSU but I’m glad. Hope he can stay healthy this year and be ready to roll for the noles!

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Seems like a good fit for the system,

but is it just impossible to find 1C backs with breakaway speed? That’s what keeps a defense on its heels.

On a related note, I can’t help but wonder how Spiller would have done in Jimbo’s offense.

Apparently, Ann was wrong. :)

by FiestaNole on Jun 24, 2010 5:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Trickett would have kidnapped CJ

You have to be a tough runner in this scheme and thats one thing Spiller isn’t. He’s a “swiss army knife” type player who can hurt you in a multitude of different ways. But he isn’t a consistently dominating runner. Someone like a Ryan Williams is much better IMO. CJ (Like Bush) is more athlete than pure running back

by westcoastnolefan on Jun 24, 2010 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

But he does have breakaway speed...

Seriously, this guy is fast and he is fluid. For a running back, this guy is what you want. Like westcoastnolefan said, CJ isn’t a pure running back. CJ is like an oversized corner with good hands.

If Freeman stays healthy and focused, he will be the real deal. This kid has insane balance, a surprisingly quick first step and what looks to be 4.5 speed.

How can you hate?

by Trus1te on Jun 25, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions  

4.5 speed isn't breakaway speed

He simply doesn’t have the speed to run away from elite corners. But if that is the only knock on him, then i"m ok with that

by nolesblogger on Jun 25, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

Backs like CJ Spiller and Percy Harvin (not to mention Warrick Dunn)

were game changers, a serious match-up problem for defenses. Let’s not kid ourselves; he doesn’t have anything like that kind of speed. He’ll chew up yards, methodically, in our system\: Not a bad thing, just a different thing.

Apparently, Ann was wrong. :)

by FiestaNole on Jun 25, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Kinda off topic but 2010 recruit qualifications??

I seem to remember hearing that all of our 2010 football recruits did in fact qualify and will make it to campus however I just saw a headline on Warchant that read “Mike Harris Qualified?” and it got me worried. I also remember reading somewhere that one of the recruits was going the JUCO route, cant remember which one… Did all of our recruits qualify?

"two mice fell into a bucket of cream, the first mouse gave up and quickly drowned, but the second mouse wouldn't quit. He struggled so hard, that he eventually churned that milk into butter and crawled out"

by FS4Nole on Jun 25, 2010 12:26 AM EDT reply actions  

We have a thread just for that.

http://www.tomahawknation.com/2010/6/23/1533669/2011-recruiting-discussion-thread-3

It’s always pinned to the right of the main story on the front page.

74 days till Samford. 09.04.10.

by DA-2 on Jun 25, 2010 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions  

thanks

I appreciate that. Real disappointed to hear about Johnson not qualifying. Really liked him…
Another interesting thing that I’ve noticed is we seem to be competing with Clemson a lot, especially recently. Does anyone know what seems to be so appealing about Clemson? (Coaches, system, facilities etc.)

"two mice fell into a bucket of cream, the first mouse gave up and quickly drowned, but the second mouse wouldn't quit. He struggled so hard, that he eventually churned that milk into butter and crawled out"

by FS4Nole on Jun 25, 2010 7:51 AM EDT up reply actions  

Gran say the one thing

That mattered in Devonta Freeman…….CRUD!!!!!!

FEAR THE SPEAR!!!!!!!!!

by goatnole76 on Jun 25, 2010 8:29 PM EDT reply actions  

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