Xavier Rhodes Not Entering NFL Draft, Will Return To Florida State
by Bud Elliott on Jan 9, 2012 9:05 PM EST
in FSU Football
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PrintTALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State's defense landed one of its most important recruits Monday without leaving campus when redshirt sophomore cornerback Xavier Rhodes informed football coach Jimbo Fisher that he would be returning for his junior season.
A two-year starter, the tall and talented draft-eligible corner weighed his options carefully before coming to his decision.
"I could have gone and been a second or third round (draft choice) or possibly first round, but that was a risk," Rhodes said. "Why take that risk when if I come back and have the kind of season I can, improve my stock and be a first-rounder?"
Rhodes, whose knee sprain suffered in the Champs Sports Bowl is improving, consulted with his family before opting to rejoin the defense that will return nine starters from one of the nation's top units.
"I talked to my family, including my grandmother [Maudrina Johnson] and they told me I should come back and get my school and improve stock," said Rhodes, who is equally excited about the prospect of playing on a team that will have high hopes after a 9-4 season.
Rhodes' decision comes days after fellow draft-eligible Seminole defenders, defensive end Brandon Jenkins and cornerback Greg Reid, announced they would also be back for the 2012 season.
"I think it's a very mature decision, as far as individual responsibility," Fisher said. "It's huge for our program and gives us continuity in the secondary. .... We'll benefit from having he, Greg (Reid) and Brandon (Jenkins) back and they'll benefit from playing on a very good team - a very good defense - while improving their stock. We're very fortunate."
Rhodes finished the season seventh on the team with 43 tackles, including 36 solo stops, to go along with five passes defended and an interception. That performance came on the heels of the 2010 season when Rhodes earned Freshman All-American honors and was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Miami native was also selected National Defensive Freshman of the Year by Collegefootballnews.com after racking up 59 tackles and 16 passes defended - including four interceptions - which led all freshmen nationally.
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YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is all
by nolesdude on Jan 9, 2012 9:22 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
depth
Hopefully we still get to see some waisome and other super recruits in the secondary, that we brought in last year. Im starting to love the depth of this team for next year. We shouldn’t blink at an injury next year.
by Sam.Noles.4.Life on Jan 9, 2012 9:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
NoleNation
Great news we just need to get the Oline 2gether and we will be officially back….
Hush!!!!!!
You hush your mouth right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Most Miami fans have a bead case of SARS. Slap Ass Retarded Syndrome.
by Nole Resurrected on Jan 10, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Welcome
to the Nole family… errr wait… not bad out of a 3* converted WR :) Hoping for a great year and a 1st rounder…. Guess we’ll break our two year streak of first rounders this year though from the looks of it.
After UM does such conversions 21 times
They’ll have a really great 2012 class after all!
Nice
Will allow Waisome and others to get some reps without it being on there shoulders at crunch time. Much smoother transition to them for 2013 then if they jumped into starting positions this year
Defense next year could be one of the best FSU has ever had. I drank some Kool aid before the season. Although moderate doses. I already downed a gallon on thoughts about this defense next season
A Seminole warrior killed in battle is a legend remembered. A Gator lost in battle becomes a pair of boots and a belt.
twitter of random stuff and tons of confessing FSU love http://twitter.com/caine115
F THE ACC ..|.. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
by caine115 on Jan 9, 2012 10:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
glug, glug, glug
That kool-aid is fantastic!
It is a nice feeling to know if you stay injury free and get good bounces you have a chance at a special season.
by nolesdude on Jan 9, 2012 10:15 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I Love it
Is McDaniel back healthy? And how does Luc look takin over for Bradham next season? I know we R solid now at corner and DE but I was just thinkin about some of the guys who will be called upon 2 add depth or maybe even start. TS22 is still more of a situational LB, I don’t think he has the size 2 play every down.So is Luc almost a lock for that position?
Noles4Life!!
If Telvin gets up to 225 or so
Hew will be just fine at LB. His instincts, tackling ability, and speed make up for lack of size.
by SarasotaSeminole on Jan 9, 2012 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
I dont know about that
I think he’s only about 210 at the most..But I guess u done feel 2 confident about Luc? I Love 22 but I think he wont get much more than 215. He still will be a huge part of our D. I jus wanted 2 know who would fill in full time for Bradham.
Noles4Life!!
TBD
Luc is the frontrunner but not a lock IMO. One of the Smiths could move over or TBD player switching positions could move into it (JWJ or Moody). Have to wait for spring ball to see what the best option is.
i once went to a benefit for TBD
not a good time…
Is there any truth to the JWJ move to LB
Or are you just kinda saying whatever?
I hate you Off-season
I think Luc is a monster waiting in the wings
I get the feeling once he gets the spotlight he’s going to be a Highlight Reel.
RayRayRayRay = Homerism Squared
.
by Aaron Tampa Nole on Jan 12, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
I knew this would happen
I felt it in my spirit….no lie…D is going to be scary good….if the Offense is a top 25 offense and major injuries stay away…we have an great shot at going to a BCS game…
Follow Me On Twitter@KelvinHunt
I seem to remember a lot of people pointing to 2012 when Jimbo was hired.
We started reconsidering after the 10-win season in Year One, but IIRC 2012 was the original target year for The Return.
Bud and many were very public about 2012 as well
I think most of us thought if we somehow got by OU with no injuries we had a dark horse chance. That got killed quick but 2012 was the year I know we were really saying is the year. If that offense is even decent we have a great shot
A Seminole warrior killed in battle is a legend remembered. A Gator lost in battle becomes a pair of boots and a belt.
twitter of random stuff and tons of confessing FSU love http://twitter.com/caine115
F THE ACC ..|.. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The offense will be good.
Jimbo has consistently had top 10 offenses. The significant contributors leaving are Reliford, Reed, Sanders. We now have better options at the skill positions and the O-line should improve. Biggest question mark is EJ’s development. IF he is healthy and has an improved O-line, hopefully he will make better decisions both pre-snap and in the pocket. Coker should be ready to go and Trick is a more viable option if the O-line can block someone for 3-5 secs. It is really do or die time for EJ.
NoleLaw, Top 10 offenses, really?
Stoops has done a fantastic job, no doubt. I understand about 2011 injuries, a young offensive line, and EJ’s first year as a starter but we are not a Top 10 offense and have not been for a long time. We finished 78 in total offense this year & Fisher’s 5 year average is 60 with his best year in 09 at #28. Rushing offense was 104 this year and 5 year average is 65. I believe Fisher needs to hire a new offensive coordinator who can bring us back to the upper tier. Nobody really fears our offense anymore.
Total offense is a garbage statistic to use when measuring an offense
Doesn’t consider a lot of important factors, it’s a SCOREBOARD.
FSU 2011 Off F/+: 34th, 2010: 7th, 2009: 4th, 2008: 40th, 2007: 67th
It’s very clear there’s been substantial improvement to top 10 quality offenses under Jimbo, after the dismal Jeff Bowden era.
To borrow a quote from the genius Dabo, “they ain’t forgot how to coach”.
Alabama won in 2009 with a #36 Off F/+ and #10 this year. Both top 2 defenses and mediocre special teams.
If you’ll note, EJ doesn’t throw many picks because he isn’t given the opportunity to. Jimbo runs a low risk offense designed not to give up turnovers, wear down a defense, etc. Look at FSU-ND this year and Bama-LSU this year. That’s the direction we’re going and I have no problems with that.
by jmnpb996 on Jan 10, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If our offense goes in the direction of *either* LSU-Bama game, I have a problem with that.
Those offenses are pathetic. They do just enough for the defenses to win games, which is fine, but I want a competent offense out there. Is that being too greedy?
by seminoleballer on Jan 11, 2012 12:30 AM EST up reply actions
Please tell me my contacts are dry.....and you did *NOT* just list Realiford as a "significant contributor"?!??
"D.RUSSO IS THE MAN" -DA-2
Follow me on Twitter for all the outrageous sh!t I can't say on Tomahawk Nation...
Follow @DRusso97
This is true..
Staff and (Bud I might add) privately stated 2012 is the year.
Follow Me On Twitter@KelvinHunt
If Bud said it
I’m getting a 2nd Mortgage and going to Vegas
I dont think anyone has been "quietly" pointing it out....
I have been shouting it to all the numbskulls saying we were supposed to win it all this year! (cough cough….ESPN….cough cough)
"Hey Shakin the Southland, Why didn't you storm the field after the Orange Bowl like you do after every game?" ----------BANNED!!!! hahaha
Dumbest thing about the hype this past year
One of the first reasons given: #1 recruiting class. Uh, if they play that much guys, we’re not that good yet, as was shown.
If all sports fandom is a form of emotional gambling, football is poker and hockey is Russian roulette.
2012 was the general consensus for a big run.
Also what hasnt been mentioned but I think played at least a small part in our young talent returning to improve their draft stock was our very own Nigel Bradham. These young guys looked up to him and watched him return, play his ass off, and eventually work his way into a lot more money by season’s end. So I give some thanks to Nigel and the hard work he put in. He was a tangible template for returning to school and earning more money in the long run for the young guys to follow.
"I dont hate people. I just feel better when they aren't around." -Bukowski
by cerebralfish on Jan 10, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
It just keeps unraveling for the tiggers
http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/03/23/tigertown-flatly-denies-housing-scam-reports/
The Seminoles are still America's team
Can there be one with soul so dead whose heart does not leap at the sigh of Renegade and the flaming spear
you do realize that report is from 2009?
"What kind of addicting substance has Jimbo spiked the Tally water with?
It’s this new thing going around campus lately-I think it’s known by the term…"winning". I hear it’s really addictive and the real hardcore victory junkies can smell it from all the way across the nation."
by SmoothCrimiNole on Jan 9, 2012 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Im going to enjoy that defense next year
this will never happen again. This many guys who are smart enough to know their value can go up, and a few that should be going higher, but circumstances dictate next year will more rewarding. The talent on this defense…holy cow.
"However, I say, let UM burn." -onebarrelrum
2009 but need to keep it hot
The Seminoles are still America's team
Can there be one with soul so dead whose heart does not leap at the sigh of Renegade and the flaming spear
We could have held both of these teams 2 15 or less
I thinks that’s our avg as far as scoring D. A few good bounces and maybe a strike 2 Greene or Smith, then I think we could have given either Bama or LSU all they wanted! Hypothetically speaking, but I feel we could have competed. D.Hop and Powell would have been huge weapons in such a Defensive struggle. I really believe this after wathcing this game and LSU being so unprepared.
Noles4Life!!
didn't Jimbo already say everyone was returning about a month ago?
it was definitely mentioned here on TN. Anyway, I guess it’s nice to have confirmation.
He said he didnt expect anyone to leave
But doesn’t mean they won’t
A Seminole warrior killed in battle is a legend remembered. A Gator lost in battle becomes a pair of boots and a belt.
twitter of random stuff and tons of confessing FSU love http://twitter.com/caine115
F THE ACC ..|.. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
good for us - not as good for him
you should always take the money…
always.
the difference between a first round contract and a third round contract is pretty large
Given the chronic medical problems, surgeries, etc that he will eventually have to deal with, better to add a few more millions on the front end.
you should always take the money…
Clemson’s Sammy Watkins approves this message.
by car54 on Jan 10, 2012 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The new NFL CBA made the money disparity between 1rst rounders and the other rds much larger.
I heard a report while it was being hammered out that it would cause more college players to return for their 4th year….at least those on the bubble between 1st and 2nd rds.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat"
by Blue Horseshoe on Jan 10, 2012 7:47 AM EST up reply actions
Conversely, we saw how college star TE Dwayne Allen was conflicted about leaving Clemson
(for all except maybe first round draft money) when, in his own words, he was already getting paid all the money he ever wanted.
It's crazy how....
Cam Newton’s contract was for something like 22 million after the new deal but if you look at Bradford and Staffords contract they more than doubled his contract in just guaranteed money.
That completes the trio!
Can’t wait to see their production next season. I’m calling 3 shutouts, one for each of our returning stars!
Is JT comming back?
You know the meme has already started when we talk about shutouts for at least a year
A Seminole warrior killed in battle is a legend remembered. A Gator lost in battle becomes a pair of boots and a belt.
twitter of random stuff and tons of confessing FSU love http://twitter.com/caine115
F THE ACC ..|.. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Positive news equals positive me
Or I’m just positively drunk?
by FullTimeNole on Jan 10, 2012 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
I love that we are getting players to stay and take pride in FSU football.
The change in culture is amazing. It’s says a lot about our coaching staff. And next year should be fantastic. Telvin, Freeman, Wilder, Waisome, Karlos, etc. get a full offseason of strength and conditioning, the offense and defense get another year to gel, the young offensive line can mature and grow, the team can get healthy and hopefully stay that way.
by flash_kiley on Jan 10, 2012 1:55 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Still worried about DB depth
Did Joyner get move to CB and Brooks to safety when Rhodes got hurt? Who is gonna provide quality depth? Like the starters though.
Depth at DB is one thing I wouldn't worry too much about.
You remember that class of DB’s we brought in right? They’re still there. Linebacker is where I would start getting a bit interested in the depth aspect.
I hate you Off-season
Waisome is good in coverage from what I have heard.
Then I believe we have 2 CB from the prior class that I’m sure stoops will have ready.
A wise polish man once said: If you don't look out for #1, you get a hand full of #2
by PalmAireNole on Jan 10, 2012 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
No worries
G5 – Sr.
Rhodes – Jr.
Joyner – Jr.
Brooks – Jr.
Moody – Sr.
Waisome – So.
LOS – So.
Hunter – So.
Brutus – So.
Keelin Smith – So.
Demps – Jr.
*PJ Williams
**Darby/Howard
Moody could switch to LB for depth
*True freshmen
I recall coach Trickett talking about the recruits last spring and he said the two who stood out were D-Free and Waisome. Even if Moody switches to LB and you don’t count the true freshmen, you still have six backups, with several of the guys having the ability to play S or CB. We did fine starting Sophomores this year and all we need next yr.‘s Sophomores to do is provide quality depth. Next yr.’s Sophomores are guys with 5* talent like LOS and Hunter. No worries there.
yea we'll be solid next season...
the coaches just had to move Joyner in the bowl game because everybody else was inexperienced and hadn’t played all year leading up to that point.
Waisome
two who stood out were D-Free and Waisome.
I remember paying quite a bit of attention to him in the spring game, and he did really well. Although quite raw, he showed good signs for being in the systems for all of a couple weeks.
"Hey Shakin the Southland, Why didn't you storm the field after the Orange Bowl like you do after every game?" ----------BANNED!!!! hahaha
obviously my first experiment with the block quotes
"Hey Shakin the Southland, Why didn't you storm the field after the Orange Bowl like you do after every game?" ----------BANNED!!!! hahaha
Great news but did you have to use a pic with Virginia in it?
:0(
"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did"
At least we beat them that year.
Official reader of Tomahawk Nation.
Formerly known as Florida State Jay.
by Jamil Dawson on Jan 10, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Hahahaha...
You went back and looked a the picture again didn’t you? Thought you missed something in the background?…hahahaha
"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did"
You know who also wants to improve his stock? …Stoops, if he plans to leave after 2012. That guy should hopefully be coaching for his future like the rest of the defense. When you have kids with the talent FSU has playing for their life, and the coach playing for his life, you’d expect nothing less.
Maybe statistically because of our easier schedule
but it would be a huge step for us to physically match the two defenses we saw in the LSU/Alabama title game if their D’s will remain as strong next year.
We're plenty physical
Our DB’s and LB’s hit plenty hard. G5, XR, LJ, hell, even Parks this year hit hard when he didn’t blow an assignment.
Our DB’s will never be as physical as LSU’s because Stoops doesn’t like to play a lot of press, but when they have to (Rhodes vs Floyd during ND game), they have done quite a fine job of it.
Rhodes played Floyd very hard in press coverage.
Very, VERY good and tough.
I hate you Off-season
Are you kidding me?
Tell it to Marcus Lattimore, who went through the whole 2010 SEC schedule until he couldn’t last a quarter in his bowl game.
by CelticPride on Jan 10, 2012 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
yep and clearly Big 12 is toughest of all (OU vs Manuel)
insert quip about random injuries, 180 lb hits greater than 300 lb takedowns, etc…
The only difference I saw
was in our linebackers. Bama has some freaks. Otherwise I think our D is very comparable to what we saw last night.
The next time we play UF 1,092 days will have passed since they have been able to hold our jock strap.
I definitely think....
we can surpass this years LSU’s defense. Discipline, Maturity, and Determination will determine if we can get to Alabama’s level and be ranked #1 in every defensive category..
Christian Jones>Upshaw/Hightower
But Upshaw/Hightower>>Any OTHER LB we have, or will bring in this year. Our Dline might be better collectively, but we’re thin in the middle(LB) and then bomb diggity on the back end. Kirkpatrick/Barron are beasts. Rhodes/Joyner could be a better tandem. Joyner’s long ass arms and athletic ability allow him play taller than he is in coverage, while his weight and violent tendency allows him to bring the wood in run support and love it. Rhodes/Kirkpatrick could be a push, maybe a slight edge to Dre, but it’s really splitting hairs between them. Both are incredible DB’s. Very physical.
I hate you Off-season
think dre has the advantage of getting off wr blocks to BLOW UP screens
"Hey Shakin the Southland, Why didn't you storm the field after the Orange Bowl like you do after every game?" ----------BANNED!!!! hahaha
Kirkpatrick does everything very well. Great genes too.
He will make a ton of money soon.
I hate you Off-season
If he can continue to keep putting hands in facemasks and not get called?
Coudl make great money. I’m not sure if anyone else saw that but his hands were all up in the LSU guys’ face masks.
Ticky Tack.
The guy is good. Really good. I wouldn’t hold a guy to a standard from one game. A National Championship game at that.
I hate you Off-season
This defense should and will be special.
Just need to shore up the OLine and backup CB situation and we are set.
Why is everybody worried about our back-up DB's?
When we don’t even know who’s starting at LB other than Jones?
I hate you Off-season
I mean we have Vince Williams, Telvin Smith, and Jeff Luc.........
2 of those 3 are starting so LB really isn’t an issue. At CB we have Rhodes and Reid, a nickelback in Brooks who is the backup safety, and Waisome at dime. We have a bunch of RS freshmen behind them like Hunter and Smith………I think there is depth there but not a lot of experience.
by NoleFanAtUCF on Jan 10, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
You provide depth for a while to gain experience.
I hate you Off-season
Wilder should play LB. It's a no brainer.
When he’d run the ball I’d be like, “Why the f*ck is Nigel Bradham getting carries at Tailback?” Then I realize that this huge, muscley guy, running like he’s getting measured for his height and is not picking up alot of yards, is James Wilder..i would frown. He’s a defensive player. If he wants to “run the ball” he plays Fullback/Lonnie Pryor Position. I hope he agrees to switch in the spring.
I hate you Off-season
So where do we get the extra RBs from?
Our depth at RB is a huge offseason concern. I would agree with this move if we get another back besides Pender on NSD,but I can’t see moving Wilder when we are 1 injury away from putting up “Help Wanted@ RB” posters around Tallahassee. I still think they will try LOS at RB b4 its all said and done. Mark my words, we don’t have any1 else that fits the mold. Thomson’s not comin back, Wilder is slightly behind the curve, so that only leaves DF and true freshman Pender. Like I said, 1 injury away from holding auditions!!
Noles4Life!!
by Shawn Stepp on Jan 10, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Karlos Williams will never play RB.
I hate you Off-season
This.
There is no way we move that heat-seeking missile to RB, he is Sean Taylor 2.0………..Jimbo should be fired if he moves him.
by NoleFanAtUCF on Jan 10, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly.
I think with Brooks emerging at safety, it’s nothing against Los but Brooks looks like a stud back there with Los. I would be mad if Joyner and Brooks were our starters with Los as the 3rd safety. Also believe Los with play a lot on 3rd down and in the nickel, since Brooks will most likely be the nickel back.
by NoleFanAtUCF on Jan 10, 2012 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
So what r u sayin exactly?
I hope ur not sayin Joyner should be the 3rd safety, he is definitely our#1! I think Los has a great shot a getting the job but if not, I don’t want him jus playing a back up role.That’s why I say he needs 2 have a shot on offense, preferably WR, but I know he would do well at RB. Its a long shot but still I was jus thinking about the depth issue we have at RB.
Noles4Life!!
I really think Moody should switch to LB
If we took player x, and said that he was 6’4" 235 lbs., took bad angles in coverage but laid the wood, I would think he was a LB anyway.
by flash_kiley on Jan 10, 2012 11:20 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
No way dude.
Moody to LB is a TURRIBLE move. Just turrible.
I hate you Off-season
Id rather see Moody at LB too
Moody doesn’t have the speed to be an elite safety on our D.If anything he may be a liability. Id rather see him blow an assignment at LB where we have a chance 2 make a tackle, then 2 blow a coverage and give up 6. But I like his aggressiveness and hard hitting attitude, and with our lack of depth at LB, I could see this move.
Noles4Life!!
by Shawn Stepp on Jan 10, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
This.
In all honesty, if Moody wants to see any significant PT he needs to work with the 2nd string LB’s. We have more young talented safeties than Moody and I feel like Los and Hunter will pass him on the depth chart. I feel he would be a good backup to Jones and Luc when they needed a breather. Seems like LB is a better fit for him anyway.
by NoleFanAtUCF on Jan 10, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
I'd rather get Eligwe experience off the bat.
Or Terrence Smith.
I hate you Off-season
Yeah Nigel Terrell needs to step up.......
and I think he will. Eligwe and Smith will provide solid depth. Hopefully we can add Harvey-Clemons (not holding my breath).
by NoleFanAtUCF on Jan 10, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Agree totally
Perfect fit for him and the team. He adds real game experience,leadership and toughness! We get those poor angles corrected then he could be a darkhorse for 2nd team all ACC at LB. He would get more PT there, than at safety.
Noles4Life!!
Moody would have to do something pretty drastic to get moved to LB.
…Like drag a moped to his apt.
#BuildsHamstrings
"D.RUSSO IS THE MAN" -DA-2
Follow me on Twitter for all the outrageous sh!t I can't say on Tomahawk Nation...
Follow @DRusso97
Matt Millen is also planning to draft Kelvin Benjamin #1 overall in April's draft.
"D.RUSSO IS THE MAN" -DA-2
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