FSU football: 3 observations from 2021 recruiting class

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 22: A view of a special ribbon decal worn on the back of the helmets of the Florida State players to honor the victims of a shooting at the university library during a game against Boston College Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 22, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. Earlier this week a gunman injured three students before officers fatally shot him. Third-ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 20 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 22: A view of a special ribbon decal worn on the back of the helmets of the Florida State players to honor the victims of a shooting at the university library during a game against Boston College Eagles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on November 22, 2014 in Tallahassee, Florida. Earlier this week a gunman injured three students before officers fatally shot him. Third-ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 20 to 17. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Needs Were Met

Recruiting rankings are important, but it doesn’t mean much if roster needs are not met.

FSU went into the 2021 recruiting cycle in need of help at several positions: Quarterback, offensive tackle, wide receivers, defensive end, and defensive tackle.

Florida State Seminoles Football
Florida State Seminoles Football /

Florida State Seminoles Football

Mike Norvell and Kenny Dillingham identified who they wanted and got a commitment early from Luke Altmyer. However, Altmyer decided to stay in Mississippi, which allowed Mike Norvell to pivot to transfer McKenzie Milton.

In hindsight, it could be a blessing in disguise with Milton being ready to play in 2021, unlike Altmyer. If Milton starts, it will allow the other quarterbacks to develop and to contribute in 2022.

The Noles landed their first blue-chip offensive tackle in years with Rod Orr. They also brought in Bryson Estes, who enrolled early, and will likely sign another offensive tackle from the transfer portal.

Three wide receivers have signed with a fourth committed in Kansas transfer Andrew Parchment, who won’t enroll until the summer. FSU signed three pass rushers out of high school and another two from the transfer portal.

The area that was not addressed was defensive tackle. FSU did sign two quality players in Shambre Jackson and Joshua Farmer, who will likely move to defensive tackle in a year or so as they continue to develop. However, they are not true defensive tackle at the moment.

South Carolina transfer Keir Thomas can help in 2021 with one year of eligibility left and provide some depth while those two players develop.

All of the other roster areas were filled.