Despite Noon start, Florida State football set up for good recruiting weekend

For recruiting purposes, Noon games are bad business in a remote spot like Tallahassee.

If a recruit in Tampa plays a game on Friday night, the earliest he could get in town after going home and showering would likely be 2 a.m. To get there in the morning, he’d need to be on the road by 6 a.m. If the recruit is in South Florida, forget it.

But luckily for Florida State this weekend, IMG Academy does not have a game. And that means players from the most talented school in the nation are free to visit wherever they can get a ride.

On the Nolecast, I reported that five-star tackle Evan Neal, four-star guard Dontae Lucas (committed), four-star linebacker Jaleel McRae (committed), three-star offensive lineman Charles Turner (LSU commit), and 2020 defensive lineman Trevon Riggins are also coming.

Lucas and McRae have been vocal leaders in keeping the class together despite Florida State’s lackluster season.

Neal is an important Florida State target because he would very likely be a starter for Florida State not just next year, but probably this Saturday if he could suit up and skip the rest of high school.

Alabama is seen as the overwhelming favorite for Neal, but it’s likely that Neal will see just how likely a starting spot is in Tallahassee, with Clemson’s defensive ends looking to feast on FSU’s current tackles, who are probably better suited to play guard. The goal will be to impress Neal enough to get him to take an official visit.

Josh Newberg reported that Tre’ Sanders, a five-star back and teammate of Neal, is accompanying Neal on the visit. Sanders is also considered a heavy Alabama lean.

Louisiana duo in town

The Seminoles are expecting official visits from LSU commits Kardell Thomas, and Tyrion Davis, of Baton Rouge (La.) Southern Lab. Thomas is an elite guard prospect, while Davis is a top running back. Thomas loved his visit over the summer, but is still recruiting hard for the Tigers. One thing to watch with Davis will be what happens with Louisiana five-star RB John Emery Jr., who recently backed off his commitment to UGA and is expected to go to LSU.

A five-star LB

Quavaris Crouch, a five-star linebacker from Charlotte (NC) Harding is also expected in on an official visit. His recruitment has been quiet, with Clemson feeling confident it will keep him close to home. FSU will take its best shot, and like at offensive line, playing time will be an immediate sell.

Elite WR in town

Auburn receiver commitment George Pickens, of Hoover (Ala.) is in town. Florida State is taking an extremely small receiver class this year after taking a big one in 2018. This is at least the third time Pickens has visited the Seminoles, and FSU would like to secure an official.

FSU’s QB in town

Florida State QB Sam Howell also showed up. This will be a great opportunity for Howell to recruit other players, including the offensive linemen in attendance.

Four-star FSU DL commitment Quashon Fuller, of Lehigh (Fla.), and 2020 ATH Jadarius McKnight, of Ft. Myers (Fla.) Dunbar are also coming.

Florida State’s class ranks 10th nationally, which is second in the ACC.

I’ll add more prospects as I confirm them throughout the weekend.