FSU football got its first quarterback for the 2022 recruiting class with four-star Nicco Marchiol.
FSU football is still trying to make up ground by having two transitional recruiting classes in three seasons.
They had their long-time commitment Luke Altmyer to de-commit after committing months ago but may have found a better option to contribute this season in transfer QB McKenzie Milton.
It’s all about winning now, but at the same time allowing younger quarterbacks time to develop without being thrust into action before they are ready.
That’s what happened with James Blackman, and we saw a little of it last season with Tate Rodemaker and Chubba Purdy.
They have their 2021 recruiting class wrapped up aside from a few targets who remain unsigned, and they’ve gotten off to a great start with its 2022 class.
Marchiol is the fifth commit to join a class of players who are all blue-chip quality. Let’s take a look at how Marchiol’s commitment impacts the Noles.
Recruiting
Most times having a blue-chip quarterback committed to a program helps draw other talented players to the class.
It also helps if that player is vocal on social media and an active recruiter. Marchiol has nearly 5,000 followers on Twitter and was making tons of posts related to FSU before he committed.
Marchiol’s recruitment moved swiftly, as he dropped his top four schools two weeks ago.
He has a great relationship with the FSU football staff and should play a big role in coordinating recruiting efforts along with Travis Hunter Jr.
It’s still early with 2022 recruiting rankings, but the addition of Marchiol does move the Noles into the No. 6 spot nationally.
The teams in front of the Noles, except Notre Dame, all have at least two more commitments, which impacts the rankings.
It’s funny the narrative used to be the Noles couldn’t get quarterbacks to Tallahassee. If Marchiol sticks with his commitment, he’ll be the second blue-chip prep quarterback signed by Mike Norvell.
Can Be Ready In A Couple of Years
FSU football has had sub-par QB play since Jameis Winston left after the 2014 season. Everett Golson was a non-factor after transferring from Notre Dame.
Deondre Francois had tools but lacked leadership and ultimately couldn’t keep it together. James Blackman had some tools but was never allowed to develop once Francois got hurt.
The good thing about this commitment is Marchiol should have time to develop with how the quarterback situation is set up now.
It’s likely McKenzie Milton will be the starter in 2021 unless something unfortunate happens, and the Noles will still have Jordan Travis, Chubba Purdy, and Tate Rodemaker.
Once Milton exhausts eligibility, the Noles will still have at least two quarterbacks that will have had time to develop.
That means Marchiol will be able to redshirt, learn the playbook as a freshman and then compete for the job the following year.
I don’t think he’s an impact player in year one, but Marchiol has the tools to put up big numbers in Mike Norvell’s offense.