The 2022 year is only a couple of minutes old, and FSU football has already started it off on a positive note.
The Noles had a big need for wide receivers after not signing a prep player in the Early Signing Period last month.
However, that didn’t stop the coaching staff from aggressively pursuing targets in the transfer portal. They quickly gained commitments from Oregon and Arizona State transfers, Mycah Pittman and Johnny Wilson.
A third wide receiver from the transfer portal has decided to join the Noles. Illinois transfer wide receiver Deuce Spann announced his commitment shortly after midnight:
COMMITTED! pic.twitter.com/bpjiyNHI9a
— DEUCE (@deucespann) January 1, 2022
Highlights
Sitkowski throws a 45-yard dime to Deuce Spann, and the Illini score shortly after.
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) August 28, 2021
30-9 Illinois.#NEBvsILL pic.twitter.com/gG5yt4K9fk
#Illini Deuce Spann Touchdown. 6-4, 195lb redshirt freshman out of St Petersburg, Florida with speed for a Illinois Touchdown catch. pic.twitter.com/65kr2gXVYe
— Illinois Football Focus (@IlliniFB) September 11, 2021
Thoughts
The addition of Spann drastically changes the wide receiver unit. FSU will now carry three wide receivers over 6’4″, with speed to separate vertically. That’s Malik McClain, Johnny Wilson, and Spann.
That should open things up in the running game and for someone like Mycah Pittman to contribute underneath. Spann is still relatively raw, but he’s physically ready to play with two years of college under his belt.
Spann enrolling this spring should pay dividends, as that will give him time to build rapport with teammates and learn the offense. Those practice snaps should turn into some production in the fall.
These additions don’t excuse not signing any wide receivers during the Early Signing Period, but the coaching staff has done a great job of finding physically ready players who will enroll in the spring. The wide receiver unit should be more of a strength in 2022 with these additions.