FSU football: Transfer portal players more valuable than 5-stars?

Parting Thoughts

Five-star players are great, but there is only a handful in every recruiting class. Also, it took Joyner a year before he became a real contributor.

Derwin James was a freak and an exception to the rule with his freshmen production. However, when you look at Jammie Robinson’s production in his first year at FSU, it’s on par with Derwin James.

However, the difference was he had already been productive in college and would be much more of a sure bet to continue that production compared to a five-star out of high school. There are other variables to consider, like if the five-star player will enroll early. If not, that will decrease the likelihood of getting on the field as a freshman or at least delay it.

I know we’re comparing five-star players, but we should include the high four-star blue-chip players too. I just named two top 50 players FSU signed who never played meaningful snaps.

College coaches can take that gamble or wait for quality players to jump in the transfer portal after 1-2 years. I know some will argue coaches don’t know who will go into the portal, but there are ways around it, just like there are ways to recruit five-star players in high school.

Not only that, but coaches will have most portal players for a least two years, provided they sign those with multiple eligibility left.

Jammie Robinson could come back another year at FSU if he wanted to. Freshmen can leave the school they sign with after one year. Sam McCall entering the portal is a prime example a few weeks ago.

If the coaching staff can evaluate and identify needs via the transfer portal, I think they can have a quicker impact and higher hit rate than depending on five-star/blue chip players from high school.

All we have to do is look at the number of All-ACC players FSU has produced via transfer players. The 2023 players committed to FSU look to continue that trend.