The initial ESPNU 150 for 2012 was released today, and Florida State's recruiting class scored very well, landing 7 of its 10 recruits on the list. Included in the ESPNU 150 is Mario Edwards, who ESPN has tabbed as the top overall player in the country. That is high praise for Edwards from the ESPNU150, but not out of line as Edwards is ranked as a five-star recruit by all of the major services.  Here's what ESPN had to say about FSU's commitment:

"A lot of people think I'm 250," Edwards Jr. said. "I carry my weight [275] really well. And basically, what made me want to go to Florida State was that they had my best interest. All the other schools thought I would get too big.

"They all said there's a chance I could move inside. Florida State said they didn't care if I was 300 pounds, as long as I could keep my speed."

Craig Haubert, recruiting coordinator for ESPN, said Edwards reminds him of former Clemson star Da'Quan Bowers at this stage.

"He has prototypical size for an NFL defensive end," Haubert said. "More important, there's some savvy in there. He has moves. He has a pass-rush arsenal. You can sense that there's a plan of attack when he rushes the quarterback. He's more than just a good athlete. He's a good football player."  -ESPN

I think I speak for all the authors at TN when I say "we told you so."  Fisher was heavily influenced by his time at LSU during which he faced Nick Saban's enormous 4-3 defense on a daily basis-- a 4-3 defense that featured two defensive ends weighing over 290 pounds.  A defense, that won the national title.  We've been saying this for the better part of three years now, and Edwards comments confirm it.

With 70% of its commitments in the 150, FSU's class is the highest quality in the country at this point among teams with at least 5 commitments.  The 2012 class may be limited in size, but certainly not in talent!

Florida State landed two players from Mobile, Alabama on the ESPNU 150: defensive end Chris Casher at #10 overall, and massive offensive tackle Alphonse Taylor at #145 overall.  Those recruits are a credit to QB coach and ace recruiter Dameyune Craig, a Mobile native.  

Two recruits receiving more praise from the ESPNU 150 than other places are Mario Pender, rated as the 5th-best back in the country, and defensive back P.J. Williams, rated the 6th-best safety in the country (though he will likely start as a corner for the 'Noles).

The only three FSU commitments to not make the list were DT Dalvon Stuckey, QB Sean Maguire, and kicker Roberto Aguayo, but all three narrowly missed the list and received a rating of four-stars.  

Make sure to follow the 2012 Florida State Recruiting Board to stay up to date with the latest recruiting of FSU.