FSU Football: Understanding the 2023 recruiting cycle

Another compelling element and hypothesis to consider is that Norvell have talked, but it’s time to perform on the field. I mentioned this in the intro as I set the stage, but now I’ll try to contextualize the variance in recruiting cycle speed.

Again though, we will hop in the time machine. Let’s turn the dial to 2020, where Norvell and his staff took over less than a week before early signing day. During that week, they had to maintain current commitments and add other prospects needed to finish the class.

Then the coaching staff had to set up the foundation for the 2021 class and continue to complete the 2020 class until February, when everything changed forever. Since Norvell and the staff started, they have been operating from behind. That Covid year restricted access to the program, and to prospects, conversely, the new program shine was delayed until the great re-opening in the summer of 2022.

It was prolonged, maintained, and experienced for those three months in the summer; until games started to get played last year. The 0-4 start halted FSU’s recruiting momentum early in the season as they tried to cement their standing with highly touted prospects.

The next step to regaining momentum in recruiting is proof of concept and that comes with winning. FSU needs eight wins for a massive leap forward (8-4 or 9-3), would lead to a resurgence in “clout” with higher quality talent.

They have to maintain current relationships to reenter the picture with a chance after the coaching carousel and midseason recruit attrition.

The value of finishing second or finishing in top-five or top-three lists is paramount in this scenario.