FSU football: How far away are the Noles after watching national title game?

Recruiting

FSU football isn’t recruiting at an elite level yet, and FSU fans shouldn’t expect them to, considering the product on the field since 2018.

However, what we’re watching unfold before our eyes is the coaching staff using the transfer portal to close the gap quicker. There were several holes on the roster when Norvell took over, too many to address in one recruiting cycle.

It’s why most have termed FSU a long-term rebuild. FSU using the portal is a calculated risk, but quality transfer players at key positions provide an instant upgrade on the field because they have experience and are physically ready to play, unlike most true freshmen, especially along the line of scrimmage and at the wide receiver positions.

It’s why you’ve seen the coaching staff attack the transfer portal along the offensive line, defensive end, and wide receiver positions. We’ve seen the offensive line progress, and defensive end players from the transfer portal were All-ACC caliber last year.

Now, we’ve seen the coaching staff infuse talent at the wide receiver position via the transfer portal. That talent has to be integrated into the offense and developed, but I think we can expect improvement from that unit in 2022.

The same is true regarding the linebackers with the addition of Tatum Bethune. At the same time, the transfer took over the past year or so has allowed some younger players to hopefully develop to add more depth at some key positions like offensive line and defensive end.