Following the announcement that all sporting events have been suspended, the next big decision was that all recruiting activity was also placed on hold until April 15th (it’s now been extended until the end of May). We’ll use this newly enacted dead period to evaluate Florida State’s recruiting position by position. This isn’t meant to be an all-inclusive list; rather, it’s a snapshot of which players we believe are trending with FSU. TimScribble and NoleThruandThru break it down for you here:
In this series, we’ve covered quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, interior offensive line, offensive tackle, defensive tackles, defensive ends, linebackers and cornerbacks. Today, we’ll tackle our final position: safeties. Last year, the Florida State Seminoles signed one safety: Jadarius Green-McKnight. Between cornerback and safety, the expectation is that FSU will take 5-6 players.
Current commits:
None
Targets:
Ahmari Harvey
5’11, 170 pound 4-star (92 rating) from Florida State University School (Tallahassee, FL).
Harvey was offered by FSU last year and has been on campus several times, most recently in the middle of March. Harvey’s a magnet to the ball on defense. He does a great job reading offenses and keeps his eyes on the backfield. When in coverage, he gets his head turned around consistently, enabling him to make plays on the ball. He has excellent athletic ability which he displays by out-leaping receivers for the ball:
Terrion Arnold
6’2, 185 pound 4-star (92 rating) from John Paul II Catholic School (Tallahassee, FL).
Arnold was offered by the Seminoles late last year and has visited Florida State on numerous occasions, including a visit at the beginning of March. Arnold’s a violent striker, de-cleating offensive ball carriers regularly. He wraps up his tackles and is fundamentally sound. His athleticism pops on both sides of the ball, as he’s a threat to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball. FSU’s biggest competition is Alabama, who has been rumored to lead for Arnold. Arnold also stars on the hardwood:
De’Shawn Rucker
5’10, 170 pound 3-star (87 rating) out of Godby High School (Tallahassee, FL).
Rucker was offered in January. He most recently visited Florida State in March, but somewhat surprisingly committed to Tennessee in early May. Rucker’s best attribute is his speed. He often plays “center field” on defense and uses his quickness to cover the entire field. He seemingly flies to the ball carrier in the run game, and if he picks off a pass, you can almost guarantee it’s going for six:
Dink Jackson
6’2, 185 pound 4-star (90 rating) from Eau Gallie High School (Melbourne, FL).
Jackson originally received an offer from Florida State in 2018. He’s visited Tallahassee multiple times since the offer, including a stop in March. Jackson’s a bit of a Swiss Army knife. He can drop back in coverage, fly off the edge to disrupt the backfield, and deliver big-time hits. FSU’s in great shape for him. He’ll need to add weight, but he’s able to impact every level on defense:
Corey Collier Jr.
6’2, 170 pound 4-star (96 rating) from Miami Palmetto High School (Miami, FL).
Collier has long been on FSU’s radar as a legacy—he was offered by Florida State in 2018. Although he’s visited campus multiple times, he hasn’t done so since 2019. He recently included the Seminoles in his final-6 list. Collier has the length that college coaches crave. He’s got ideal height and length, allowing him to patrol the back of the defense. He keeps his eyes in the backfield and uses said length to win battles against receivers. He’s also not afraid to mix it up in run-support:
Derrick Edwards
5’11, 175 pound 3-star (85 rating) from Miami Palmetto High School (Miami, FL).
Edwards received an offer from FSU in January. He previously visited in 2019. Edwards doesn’t have any elite traits, but is still a well-rounded player. He’s solid in coverage, often baiting quarterbacks into bad passes. He doesn’t look to have top-end speed on film, but he shows a quick burst when breaking on a throw or attacking the backfield:
Jardin Gilbert
6’1, 175 pound 3-star (89 rating) from University Laboratory High School (Baton Rouge, LA).
Gilbert received an offer in February, but hasn’t visited. Gilbert has ideal height for the position. He also plays wide receiver in high school and his athleticism flashes on both sides of the ball. He’s quick to fill a rushing lane on defense, attacking downhill with his hits:
TJ Quinn
6’1, 200 pound 3 star (84 rating) from Lowndes High School (Lowndes, GA).
Quinn visited Florida State in March, but has yet to receive an offer. Quinn shows solid coverage skills, getting his hips turned in a fluid motion. He’s also strong in run-support and is a sure tackler: