Florida State football, recruiting news: Excitement builds for FSU NFL Draft prospects ahead of Combine

Football

When a player is as versatile and talented as Derwin James is, they’re going to be in high demand. For that reason, the Florida State product has been all over draft boards, the one common denominator being his rightful position in the first round. In the latest CBS Sports mock draft, James is projected to go No. 14 to the Green Bay Packers.

Auden Tate, another intriguing FSU draft prospect, was able to turn his targets into yards down field at a better rate than any other wide receiver on the team last season, and one of the best in the nation. Jared Smola referenced Bill Connelly’s graph breaking down this statistic on Twitter earlier today.

Scouts and general managers will get a good look at the other seven ’Noles who will be making an appearance at the NFL Combine this weekend as well. Follow along with this weekend’s on-field workout schedule here.

As you may have already seen, Jalen Ramsey ended Tim Brewster and threw shade at Jimbo Fisher on Twitter a few days ago after the tight ends coach at Texas A&M tried to credit the Aggies for FSU’s success in the NFL — primarily at defensive back.

With a slew of DBs succeeding in the NFL — Ramsey, Xavier Rhodes, Ronald Darby, to name a few — Florida State has rightfully been named DBU, and according to wide receivers Nyqwan Murray and Tamorrion Terry, FSU is WRU as well.

Recruiting

Of the 21 players that FSU signed in the 2018 class, 18 will have to wait until summer practice to suit up in Tallahassee — but that doesn’t mean they’re not staying busy while the chase is going on. Wayne McGahee III of the Tallahassee Democrat caught up with a few of the signees to see how they will be completing their final high school semester. Check in on Isaiah Bolden, Warren Thompson and Asante Samuel Jr. here.

Other Sports

The Florida State basketball team fell on the road to No. 18 Clemson 76-63 tonight, further complicating their chances of earning an NCAA Tournament bid. Our Michael Rogner broke down the game here.

The No. 5 FSU baseball team is off to an 8-0 start after a road win over Jacksonville earlier in the week. That hot start is in large part due to the Seminoles’ pitching — minus Tyler Holton. Andrew Karp and Jonah Scolaro accomplished a feat on Tuesday that FSU has not done in 18 years.

The Seminoles women’s soccer team hosted the Orlando Pride last night and came out victorious 3-2 over the visiting club.

Alumni

Demarcus Walker announced his support for Willie Taggart on Twitter after the two met. Walker, who plays defensive end for the Denver Broncos, was on the 2013 national championship team and would love to see Taggart bring a title back to Tallahassee.

Everyone knows FSU for its renowned athletic programs, but assistant AD Sharrord Everett brought attention to something bigger than sports — something the school accomplished with Taggart’s hiring.

And then... well... this happened. I don’t have any words for it so I recommend just watching the video (try not to laugh).