and I’ll tell you, statistics lie.

To really analyze how this class potentially impacts the 2012 season, you’ve got to go position by position. And unlike recent seasons, you’ve got to recognize FSU has a very talented roster.

My assessment (barring a deep run of injuries at a given position):
QBs – neither signee impacts 2012. Both redshirt. Impact: None. 2013 impact – possible starter in the pair
RBs – running backs often make freshman impacts. But Pender’s biggest impact in 2013 could be moving up enough on the depth chart early in spring that JWJ switches to linebacker mid-spring. Potential impact: significant. 2013 impact – Pender should be in the RB rotation
WR – Bracy’s impact is all dependent on if he misses much of pre-season for the Olympics. Probably would be limited to special teams (returner) anyway. Potential impact: noticeable to significant. 2013: starting returner, WR rotation
OL – Glauser coming into the spring has the possibilty of starting. Watson’s 4.6 speed keeps me thinking he could see snaps at TE – and his past as a basketball player at Marist suggests he might have the hands and athleticism for it. But coming to earth – PI: noticeable, but possible surprises. 2013: one starter, maybe two.
TE – lack of returning depth makes this PI: significant to major. 2013: starter in 2 TE sets, top 8 receiver?
DT – Goldman and Shanks makes fans excited, but this is perhaps FSU’s deepest position in 2012, but lots of seniors. PI: barely noticeable but 2013: one starter, another in rotation
DE – unusual not to have injuries in 2011. Both should be in rotation in 2012, giving FSU its ‘90s level of rotation of three deep. Two seniors and a junior who could go pro suggests the two 2012 signees could be starters in 2013. PI: major, 2013: critical
LB – Northup in the rotation Eligwe gaining weight, maybe special teams in 2012. Impact: barely noticeable. 2013: depth suggests that both will be in the 2-deep for sure
DB – Darby could start at a returning position, esp if Bracy is at the Olympics not learning the system. Neither of the three make impact off of special teams in 2012, but with the seniors/draft eligibles after next season, two of three could be starting in 2013 (opposite Waisome assuming he develops, the other as nickelback (Harris’ 2011 role)).
KS – one starter in 2012, both starting in 2013. PI: major 2013: critical.

Overall: 2012 impact – there will likely be more redshirts in 2012 than in recent seasons, despite the class’s smaller size. Pender, Christo, Darby (as returner/special teams), Beatty, the JUCOs, Goldman, Casher, Northup Edwards are unlikely to redshirt as they will impact or are needed. 2013 – FSU needed this class to get some players ready.