Florida State hosted one of its top recruiting weekends of the year against the Florida Gators. And recruits were impressed by FSU continuing to own its in-state rival, 31-13, a game in which the only touchdown allowed came on a return of a punt fumble. FSU maintains its dominance over its in-state rivals because of its recruiting.
Offense
On the offensive side, FSU had a number of top recruits make visits, including commits like QB Bailey Hockman, OL Brady Scott, TE Alexander Marshall, RB Charles Strong (18), and WR Justin Watkins (18). Targets spotted include OT Navaughn Donaldson (Miami commitment), TE Tre McKitty (Oregon commit from Tampa), and WR Tamorrion Terry. 2018 receiver Shocky Jacques-Louis also made it up.
Tomahawk Nation spoke with Alexander Marshall, who was in Donaldson’s ear for much of the night. He feels that FSU made an impression as the top program in the state, but does not know if the Miami prospect will leave home to come to Florida State.
Marshall also does not believe that tight ends coach Tim Brewster will leave for Texas. Brewster is FSU’s ace recruiter, and the highest paid tight ends coach in college football. He also recruited Vince Young to Texas a decade ago. He has worked with new Houston coach Tom Herman, and wants to be a head coach again someday. It will be interesting to see what Texas offers in terms of a title, and what sort of title FSU can come up with. I do not get the sense that a decision will be about salary.
I do not see McKitty signing with Oregon, especially because Mark Helfrich is likely to be fired soon, and Oregon is a long, long way from Tampa.
Defense
There was a ton of defensive talent there, as well.
Commitments in attendance included defensive tackles Ja’Len Parks and Corey Durden, CB Stanford Samuels III, safety Daniel Wright and safety Cyrus Fagan. 2018 DT Robert Cooper and DB Isaiah Bolden also made it. I believe FSU strengthened its position with Wright, after many believing Alabama had pulled ahead recently. He was hanging out with Derwin James and chatting with Charles Kelly quite a bit before the game.
New Jersey defensive tackle target Dalyn Wade-Perry made his visit as well. Marshall and him had the same flight into Tallahassee, and the tight end was in the ear of the big DT from the moment the flight landed, he said. Wade-Perry is also very high on Stanford, which he’ll visit in a few weeks. FSU wants to take at least three defensive tackles.
FSU also got Jarez Parks in for a visit, the big defensive end out of Sebastian. Defensive end is a need for FSU, and the ability to play sooner, rather than later, has to be sold. Alabama is the top competition for Parks. Mississippi JUCO defensive end Markel Winters, originally from Tallahassee, also made it in. Ole Miss and Auburn are also pursuing.
2019 DB recruit M.J. Griffin says he will commit on the spot once offered. FSU is evaluating him as a safety.
Questions? Drop them in the comment section.