As we formally turn the page to the Class of 2022, we’re ramping up our “Florida State of Recruiting” series once again. As a reminder, this is meant to be a snapshot in time of the current prospects committed to, trending with, or known to have mutual interest in the Florida State Seminoles football program. It’s not meant to be an exhaustive list, so expect to see add names added/removed (as needed) throughout the 2022 cycle, including any transfer portal options that may become available.

First up, the signal-callers and gunslingers!

Tribe ‘22 Quarterback State of Recruiting

The Committed:

Nicco Marchiol (pronounced Nee-koh Mark-ee-oh): 6’2”, 216 lbs (Chandler, AZ)

Marchiol currently boasts a 92 rating from the 247 Sports Composite List, which translates to a low 4-star. The sites consider him the 220th best player in the 2022 class (9th best pro-style QB and 2nd best player in Arizona). Long considered a FSU lean, he committed to the ‘Noles on January 31 over the Florida Gators, Arizona State Sun Devils, and Rutgers Scarlet Knights, among others.

Marchiol should be considered a pro-style quarterback, but he shouldn’t be discounted when he needs to move. He’s a product of excellent coaching and possesses sound mechanics. In his scouting report on Marchiol, our own CoachAB said the following:

The other impressive part about Marchiol’s game is his mechanics. He’s always at the “zero-point” (for the Darin Slack trained football folks out there). The “zero-point” is when the elbow is above the shoulder and 45 degrees out from the center of your face. This is thought to the most consistent and accurate arm slot to throw the ball from.

Marchiol has also been vocal on the recruiting trail, making his presence known to other FSU targets on social media.

Other Targets:

M.J. Morris: 6’1”, 175 lbs (Atlanta, GA)

Morris is a classic dual-threat quarterback with a high ceiling and dynamic skill-set. He’s currently ranked as a high 4-star (96 rating), considered the 73rd best player in the 2022 class (4th best dual-threat QB and 7th best player in Georgia). Morris was offered back in February 2020 and is still being actively recruited by the Seminoles. Tomahawk Nation’s Josh Pick interviewed Morris in April 2020 and the QB mentioned what stood out to him about FSU, while also noting the coaches have been straight-up with him:

Florida State stands out because of my relationship with Coach Dillingham (OC). He’s really young and was just easy to relate to. I most definitely could see myself playing for Coach Norvell and him.

I’ve always liked Florida State because of Jameis Winston. Coaches [used] to call me ‘Little Jameis’ during rec ball. They haven’t told me I’m their main guy, but they’ve told me my skill-set fits their offense, and what [they’re] trying to achieve in the future.

Morris holds around 34 offers and FSU has been among his favorites, although it remains to be seen if/how Marchiol’s commitment changes things.

A.J. Duffy: 6’2”, 203 lbs (IMG Academy by way of Moreno Valley, CA)

Duffy is a pro-style quarterback who recently transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, and has a 95 rating (mid 4-star). He’s considered the 103rd best player in the 2022 class (5th best pro-style QB and 13th best player in Florida). Duffy has a quick release and a rocket arm, throwing frozen ropes with a flick of his wrist. Duffy visited FSU in September 2020.

Duffy, who holds around 35 offers, released a top four of Michigan State, Penn State, Oregon, and FSU on February 13.

Sam Horn: 6’4”, 190 lbs (Suwanee, GA)

(Horn committed to Missouri)

Horn profiles as a pro-style quarterback with a composite 95 rating (mid 4-star). He’s ranked as the 97th best player in the 2022 class (4th best pro-style QB and 12th best player in Georgia). He was offered by FSU just before the turn of the new year.

‘Nole fans should recognize Horn as the guy who throws all those touchdown passes to current superstar commitment Travis Hunter, but he’s no slouch in his own right. With a background in baseball, Horn shows a live arm with plenty of touch. He’s mobile when necessary and has been extremely productive, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 41 touchdowns last season.

Horn is approaching 20 offers and 247 lists his current top 3 as the Michigan State Spartans, Louisville Cardinals, and Missouri Tigers, although you can expect Travis Hunter to be in the QB’s ear throughout the process.