FSU football was able to salvage quite the class in 2018 – but what recruits from the Sunshine State can they get to Tallahassee come 2019?
By now, word has gotten out that FSU football and quite the finish to their 2018 recruiting cycle – overcoming the neglect that came from the former head coach to finish strong under the true leadership from head coach Willie Taggart and his assistants to bring a group in that finished in the top 13 of every service – including ninth by rivals.
One area that had some people concerned was the amount of talent from the state of Florida that looked elsewhere when it came time to sign letters of intent. Of the 21 signees for the Seminoles, just nine came from the Sunshine State – which, after years of dominating the area, meant the Noles had to watch rival Miami and other schools raid that talent.
Some of it can be tied to the coaching change and assistants from outside the state getting used to recruiting Florida again. One thing is for sure: Taggart and his FSU football team are going to pounce for the 2019 recruiting class.
So, what are the chances he gets that talent to Tallahassee? Here’s a look at who is already committed verbally and players with the best chance of going to FSU according to Rivals’ rankings of the top 50 Florida recruits for the 2019 class.
Players verbally committed to FSU Football
No. 3 Akeem Dent / DB / 6’1″, 170 lbs. / West Palm Beach (Palm Beach Central) – Dent is a five star recruit who, so far, has stick with the Seminoles since committing last July. Considering all the cornerback and safety talent the Seminoles got this year, it will be interesting if Dent sticks with FSU football – considering some believe Alabama might make a run and make the Noles have to work to keep him on the road to Tallahassee.
No. 34 Mike Morris / DE / 6’5″, 250 lbs. / Delray Beach (American Heritage) – Morris has actually been committed to the Noles since the spring of his freshman year of high school, and if he does end up sticking with it could be the next in the line of defensive end talent to head to Tallahassee in recent years.
No. 48 Quashon Fuller / DE / 6’3″, 240 lbs. / Lehigh Acers (Lehigh Senior) – The four star prospect from the Fort Myers area has been committed to FSU football since his sophomore year of high school and could combine with Morris to keep the position stacked for years to come while learning from the amount of talent that already plays end for the Noles.
50 percent chance or more of signing with FSU Football
No. 2 Trey Sanders / RB / 5’11”, 216 lbs. / Port St. Joe (IMG Academy) – Right now, there are just four players in the state who are listed as five star recruits. The Seminoles already have one committed in Akeem Dent and would love to get this North Florida native to return home and be the next great running back to come through Tallahassee.
No. 17 Khris Bogle / DE / 6’4″, 207 lbs. / Fort Lauderdale (Cardinal Gibbons) – At this point, the Seminoles might be able to trade defensive end recruits and players to other schools that might need them. Bogle would be the third person at that position committed to the class, but maybe the best considering the level of competition he faces with his school.
No. 42 Raymond Woodie III / S / 6’1″ 185 lbs. / Tallahassee (Florida High) – I mean, when your dad is one of the new assistant coaches on the FSU football staff, chances are the Seminoles are going to be where you end up going. Woddie is someone who doesn’t have the size to be a top safety like Derwin James, but could end up contributing to the secondary if he chooses the Noles.
Less than 50 percent chance of signing with FSU Football
No. 9 Deyavie Hammond / OG / 6’7″, 378 lbs. / Okeechobee (IMG Academy) – The Seminoles are currently in the top five for this four star recruit, but insiders have the Miami Hurricanes holding a lead over Alabama with the Noles, Georgia and Oklahoma looking up.
No. 15 William Putnam / OT / 6’4″, 280 lbs. / Tampa (Plant) – FSU Football made some moves in the Tampa Bay area this past signing class, but experts think that this four star talents is going to be going to either Ohio State or Miami over Auburn, Florida or Florida State.
No. 21 Anthony Solomon / LB / 6’0″, 200 / Fort Lauderdale (St. Thomas Aquinas) – Right now, the Noles are joined by Clemson, Alabama, Miami and Michigan with the insiders saying that the former teammate of 2018 signee Asante Samuel Jr. will become a Wolverine at this point.
No. 32 Ge’mon Eaford / LB / 6’1″, 220 lbs. / Deerfield Beach – This one is slightly misleading as experts right now saw that FSU football is in a three way tie with Michigan and Auburn for the services of this four star recruit.
No. 38 Tyler Davis / DT / 6’1″, 261 lbs. / Apopka (Wekiva) – The Seminoles are joined by rival Florida, in-state foe FAU and ACC opponent Duke as those who are looking up at Ohio State when it comes to signing this four star recruit from the Orlando area.
Players with FSU football in final five with no percentages given
No. 6 Deyavie Hammond / OG / 6’4″, 320 lbs. / Lakeland (IMG Academy) – The top offensive lineman recruit in the state has recently opened back up his commitment process after taking back his verbal from Alabama. Insiders have the Seminoles in his final five along with the Crimson Tide, Auburn, Florida and Georgia.
No. 10 Jaquaze Sorrells / DT / 6’3″, 270 lbs. / Largo – The second rated defensive lineman in the state finds himself getting offers from all over the place, but experts believe it will come down to a final five that includes FSU Football along with Alabama, Clemson, Florida and FAU.
No. 25 Nay’quan Wright / RB / 5’8″, 185 lbs. / Miami (Carol City) – In the past, the Seminoles have been able to go into South Florida and gotten players from many top programs – with the Chiefs being one of the few exceptions to that rule.
Next: Noles still recruiting kings in Florida
This pint size, four star recruit has gotten offers from all the heavy hitters, but experts feel it will come down to a group that includes the Seminoles along with Alabama, FIU, FIU and Florida.