Recent FSU Football signing classes show Noles have underachieved
By Jason Parker
FSU football has consistently been one of the top programs when it comes to signing talent in the last five classes – with almost nothing to show for it.
After the FSU football team brought home the program’s third national title in history during the 2013 season, the Seminoles were not only back to being on top of the college football world – but they became a recruiting machine that brought in much of the nation’s top talent as part of recruiting classes that were ranked in the top four for the next three classes.
Over the last five recruiting classes, the Noles have found themselves in some select company according to CBSSports.com. A recent column pointed out that Florida State is among just five FBS programs to average having a top six recruiting class during the last five recruiting cycles based on the ratings each year from Rivals.
FSU football found themselves placed fourth on the list – placing themselves in a top 10 with four other programs that have made the College Football Playoff during that span.
"No. 1 – Alabama (2.2 five year average ranking)No. 2 – Ohio State (3.6)No. 3 – Georgia (5.0)No. 4 – FLORIDA STATE (5.2)No. 5 – USC (5.6)No. 6 – LSU (6.4)No. 7 – Auburn (9.0)No. 8 – Clemson (11.6)No. 9 – Notre Dame (12.0)No. 10 – Tennessee (12.4)"
Now, the Seminoles did make the College Football Playoff during that inaugural season in 2014 after winning a third straight ACC title – but since that point, the Seminoles have a combined 27-12 record while failing to even win the ACC Atlantic Division.
Granted, there are some positives over that span – including two straight bowl wins to go along with the fact they haven’t had losing records of the span (looking at you, Fighting Irish and Volunteers), so there is no reason to be a complete wet towel on this era.
However, one look at the numbers shows that one of two things is going on: either the ranking of players is overrated and misleading (a possibility) or the previous coaching staff didn’t know how to capitalize on talent not named Dalvin Cook and Dewin James, who arguably were the best natural talents over that span (with Cam Akers being in early contention for a spot at that table).
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The reason I would lean toward the latter is because the three programs ahead of FSU football seem to be utilizing their top talent and recruits. Sometimes, you can get caught up on the number of stars and figure things will work without having to put in the work. Here’s hoping that the new administration under Willie Taggart does a better job of working with what they have.