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Defensive rebounding has been a struggle since Bernard James and company graduated. Last year the Noles were 329th, and the year before they were 330th. So when Okaro White - FSU's most consistent rebounder - graduated, it was a top priority to replace him. For a while FSU had Cinmeon Bowers committed, but then he decided to eat pot, get arrested, get booted by Ham, and commit to Bruce Pearl at Auburn.
Next, FSU targeted the top two JUCO rebounders, and though both showed interest, each went to another school. Luckily, hoops recruiting happens in waves, and as the JUCO players fell off the board, new players became available due to coaching changes. One of those changes happened at Tennessee, when head coach Cuonzo Martin left to take the same job at Cal.
One of the Tennessee commits was 6-8 PF Philip Cofer (No. 120 nationally at Rivals, No. 148 at 247). He recently cut his list to Florida State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech. And today he committed to FSU while on his official visit.
Tennesse I appreciate everything that y'all have done for me man seriously ! But I will be attending Florida state ! #Seminole
— Phil Cofer (@LifeisDeep_) May 10, 2014
The strength of Cofer's game is rebounding, and he can do it on both ends of the floor and out of his own area. He is in need of a college weight program, and will need to build his offensive skills. But he has tremendous upside and should develop into an very good - elite rebounder.
Phil Cofer 6'7 Whitewater (Ga) Tough, explosive, rim protector committed to FSU today. Congrats to the former Tenn commit @LifeisDeep_
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) May 10, 2014