Florida State football signing class 2016 closes strong on National Signing Day

Florida State was expected to close like gangbusters on National Signing Day, and it did just that. The Seminoles added six four-star recruits to its existing haul, while losing just one. On the day the Seminoles signed one five-star recruit and 17 four-stars, an incredible haul finishing second only to the class signed by Alabama.

It got kicked off with pass rusher Brian Burns, of Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage, who picked FSU over Georgia and Florida. Then FSU added 6'2 cornerback Carlos Becker, of Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola, who picked FSU over Ohio State and Ole Miss. Next was Jauan Williams the 6'7 offensive lineman from Washington DC. He was quickly followed by Dontavious Jackson, the inside linebacker of Houston, flipping defensive tackle Shavar Manuel from Florida, and Landon Dickerson, an offensive lineman of Hudson (NC). FSU closed as good as anyone, right there with Alabama and Texas on the day.

The Seminoles lost four-star safety Jamel Cook, of Miami Central, to USC, where it appears he may be given a shot to play receiver.

This is a great class for Jimbo Fisher and his staff. It's a bit light on five-stars, with the lone one being Levonta Taylor, but signing 17 four-stars is going to create tremendous depth and some awesome battles in practice.

Home run position: Offensive line. The Seminoles signed the best offensive line class in the country, six signees in all including four four-star prospects. And because FSU has depth already, it will be able to develop on the appropriate timetable.

Regret: The lack of five-star talent. FSU could have had the No. 1 class if it had done better in-state or in Georgia, and traded some of the three-stars or lower four-stars for five-star talent.

(Ratings are compiled from 24/7 sports composite rankings) * = early enrollee