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We’ve made it to the midway point of the 2021 football season, so there’s no better time to do a check-up on Florida State’s #Tribe22 recruiting class. It’s also click-bait season where many pay-sites write puff-pieces to drum up subscription dollars, which inevitably increases panic among fans.
As of this writing, FSU’s 2022 recruiting class is ranked 13th nationally and 3rd in the ACC in the 247 Sports composite just behind Clemson and UNC. The recent drop is due to the decommitments of OL Aliou Bah and DL Trevion Williams, both of whom we’ve expected to decommit for some time.
Let’s take a look at who’s committed and how worried we should be for each player (as much as we want to, of course). This list doesn’t factor in possible coaching changes, which understandably complicate any recruitment, so we won’t go there today.
The Florida State of Recruiting: Tribe ‘22 Midseason Check-up
The Committed
Duffy is one of the most important recruits in this class and is having a strong senior season.
The IMG QB isn’t concerned about Florida State’s record this season and has been consistent in his intentions to enroll early and start his garnet and gold journey in January.
Should we worry? No.
One of the most underrated commitments in #Tribe22, Hill’s also among the most vocal in his support for FSU. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely due to injury, but he’s expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2022 season.
He’s locked in with the Seminoles and is expected to enroll early.
Should we worry? No.
Mortimer was originally known to Seminole fans as the teammate of former DE commit Nyjalik Kelly, but has since made more of a name for himself in the midst of a strong senior campaign. He’s returned numerous kicks for touchdown (something FSU hopes will continue in Tallahassee), shown video-game moves in the open field, and made several highlight reel catches.
Mortimer’s locked in with FSU and will likely enroll in the summer.
Should we worry? No.
Courtney earned his offer by showcasing his athleticism and versatility on both sides of the ball, and he’s continued that trend this season. Courtney has played QB, RB, WR/TE, LB, and EDGE so far in his high school career, but FSU’s coaches like him at TE.
Courtney’s considered a strong commitment and expected to enroll early.
Should we worry? No.
Powers is part of the Duncanville (TX) Duo committed to FSU for the 2022 cycle. He’s played a significant role in helping Duncanville attain a 5-1 record and has found the end zone numerous times while showing improvement in blocking and route-running.
Powers intends to enroll in the summer and is locked in with FSU.
Should we worry? No.
Richardson, long coveted by OL coach Alex Atkins as a true tackle prospect, has shown excellent leadership potential his senior season while helping Miami Central to a 5-2 record.
Richardson is strong with FSU, seemingly unconcerned with the record, and plans to enroll early in his hometown of Tallahassee.
Should we worry? No.
Early, the other member of the Duncanville (TX) Duo, has proven to be a leader for his team. He’s always maintained he’d likely use all of his official visits, but so far none of the larger Texas programs have hotly pursued him.
Early has an excellent relationship with FSU’s staff, but despite his last name, he’ll sadly be a summer enrollee.
Should we worry? No.
Sapp’s among the most vocal leaders of #Tribe22, regularly interacting on social media and reaffirming his commitment to the Seminoles. He’s taken unofficial visits to watch the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs, but he was merely visiting friends in Gainesville and was attached to the hip of UGA commit Tyre West, an FSU target, in Athens.
He’s extremely talented, extremely loyal, and plans to enroll in the summer.
Should we worry? No.
Charlton is a #Tribe22 fan favorite for his enthusiasm and demeanor. He’s stated on numerous occasions that his dream is to play at FSU, and that dream won’t be altered by other programs.
Charlton, who turned 17 earlier this week, plans to enroll early and get to work in the spring.
Should we worry? No.
Thomas, one of Odell Haggins’ top targets, decided to sit out his senior season in order to focus on academics and prepare for his college football career.
He has a close connection with #Tribe21 signee Byron Turner Jr. and plans to enroll early at FSU so he can begin working his way into the rotation as soon as possible.
Should we worry? No.
Lyons, the other of Haggins’ top two DT targets, is having a strong senior season for the 6-1 Homestead High football program. He’s made his presence felt with some bone-crushing hits and has shown good leadership potential. Lyons still hears from several schools, but is firm with FSU.
He intends to enroll early and notably, FSU has recently been in more communication with his friend and teammate, DE Dante Anderson.
Should we worry? No.
Hester, one of the first few #Tribe22 commitments (and noted Metallica enthusiast), has been having a successful senior season. The legacy commitment is a leader for his team and continues to show proof he’s better than his ranking.
Hester is dialed in with FSU and plans to enroll early.
Should we worry? No.
Graham Jr., who holds the honorable distinction of being the first recruit interviewed by TN’s Three Stars, is having one helluva senior season on offense and defense. He’s filling the stat sheet as a WildCat RB and his more natural LB spot, and is performing above his 3-star status.
Graham’s girlfriend also got some great news by being accepted into FAMU recently, and Graham plans to enroll early at FSU.
Should we worry? No.
Ah, Travis Hunter. The man, the myth, the legend, and the best player in the entire 2022 recruiting cycle. Hunter has unofficially visited UGA twice now for back-to-back marquee matchups. He personally talked with Kirby Smart in Athens and undoubtedly left with an allowance. FSU fans are singing doom and gloom around him, but I always say: “worry as much as you want to”. Sadly, some people REALLY want to worry about this one. I get that. Take heart, though—I’m not on that train. FSU still has a ton going for it in this recruitment, and Hunter is expected back on campus for at least one more home game. At this point, I’m not concerned with FSU losing his commitment—we’ll call it cautious optimism, I suppose. If those unofficial visits turn official? Then it’s time to worry.
Hunter recently confirmed he plans to enroll early, which is a big development (he was previously expected only to sign early).
Should we worry? A little bit.
Sam McCall says and posts the right things regarding his commitment to FSU. He’s having a very strong senior season and making a case that he could be just as successful on offense as he would be on defense (looks pretty solid in the return game, as well). I’ve said it before, though, and I’ll say it again, my spidey-sense keeps tingling on this one.
FSU sits in good position for him, but if the Alabama Crimson Tide start pushing harder for him, all bets are off. McCall intends to enroll early.
Should we worry? Yes.
The “Committed”
Woody, an extremely versatile and talented lineman, has a very good relationship with the coaching staff and really likes FSU. However, the Auburn Tigers, 30 minutes from home, have cranked up the intensity on him, and it seems to be working quite well. At the time he committed, I mentioned how surprised I was that the two in-state schools weren’t recruiting him hard, especially Auburn, and that they’d regret that ambivalence if Woody ended up in Tallahassee.
That said, I think the Tigers will win this one in the end and keep Woody home. May he have success every time he plays the Gators.
Stay tuned for another article soon covering the prospects FSU fans should keep an eye on as the second half of the season approaches.
The Three Stars recently released a podcast discussing how FSU might benefit from the instability of some of its recruiting rivals, among other topics.
As always, check out the most recent Recruiting Thread for more!