Recruiting
The first day of the first ever early signing period was a mixed bag for Florida State. The Seminoles signed a few of their commits including four-star defensive tackle Robert Cooper, four-star linebacker Amari Gainer and three-star offensive lineman Christian Armstrong.
However, FSU also had its share of misses as four-star running back James Cook chose Georgia over FSU, four-star quarterback Emory Jones picked UF and three-star linebacker Rosendo Louis flipped from FSU to South Carolina.
Although this may seem more gloom and doom than FSU is used to, let this put Wednesday’s events in perspective.
Here's how FSU can shoot up the recruiting rankings today if it wants:
— Tomahawk Nation (@Tomahawknation) December 20, 2017
Panic and let a boatload of 3-star and roster filler sign. Magic!
OR, it could stay the course and close strong over the final 6 weeks signing quality players who fit new system.
The highlight of the day was saved for last when five-star safety Jaiden Woodbey out of California announced that he will be flipping his commitment from Ohio State and signing with FSU just eight days after he was offered.
FSU also threw a late offer at 2018 three-star defensive end Jamarcus Chatman Wednesday night.
Blessed to be Offered by Coach Taggart at FSU #Seminoles pic.twitter.com/zVxKCrZFTB
— Jamarcus Chatman (@ChatmanJamarcus) December 21, 2017
Football
Jeff Cameron of ESPN Radio 97.9 got the chance to interview new FSU head coach Willie Taggart Wednesday morning. On the show, Taggart relayed a timeline for when he expects to fill out the rest of his coaching staff.
Making his rounds, Taggart also appeared on the latest episode of the Kanell and Bell podcast.
Early in the Taggart era, Florida State players say there’s a new aura around the practice field.
It’s a way different vibe,” wide receiver Nyqwan Murray said. “Everybody is more laid back, more relaxed. We get through practice smoother.”
Tim Brewster may not be on FSU’s coaching staff anymore, but he couldn’t pass up the chance to troll Uncle Luke one more time.
Hey @unclelukereal1 slow your roll brother, you know damn well Willie fixen to run on y'all for another 10 years‼️
— Tim Brewster (@TimBrewster) December 21, 2017
Alumni
Former FSU running back Warrick Dunn continued his lifelong charitable efforts, giving away his 159th home to a family in need through his charity on Wednesday.
Other Sports
The day before taking on Southern Miss in their final non-conference game of the season, members of the Florida State basketball team gave back to the Tallahassee community, both by serving food at a local shelter and by taking area elementary school students on a Christmas shopping spree at Target, as relayed by Jordan Culver of the Tallahassee Democrat.
Thanks to Bill Shack and the @KearneyCenter for allowing @FSUHoops to give back to the Tallahassee community in the spirit of the holiday -- @LifeisDeep_ @terance_mann @TForrest_11 @MfionduK pic.twitter.com/Tf7E1AnPY3
— FSU Men's Hoops (@FSUHoops) December 20, 2017
Huge haul for four kids from Oakridge Elementary. #FSU’s men’s basketball team went shopping and ended the day with tickets to their next game. pic.twitter.com/wORsZOkefi
— Jordan Culver (@JordanCulver) December 20, 2017
Trendon Watford, the No. 3 small forward and No. 16 overall player in the 2019 recruiting class, will visit FSU over Christmas break.
5⭐️Trendon Watford’19 @Trendon_2 said he will visit Florida State 2 days after Christmas. Alabama, Indiana, LSU, Kansas, Memphis, Miss St., Iowa and Tennessee are recruiting him hardest. #CityofPalms pic.twitter.com/eloy1qioSP
— Andrew Slater (@Andrew__Slater) December 20, 2017