FSU football recruiting: What postions are most important to address next?

2. Safety

It feels like I talk about the safety position every week. We all understand how thin the current position room is. Redshirt senior Akeem Dent, redshirt sophomore Shyheim Brown, redshirt freshman Ashlynd Barker, and true freshman Conrad Hussey are the only options.

But can you rely on consistent production from Barker and Hussey? That is a big gamble considering how young and inexperienced the players are.

FSU is entering 2023 in uncharted territory since they replace do-it-all Jammie Robinson, who opted to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson was a first-team All-ACC selection last season, where he recorded a team-high 99 tackles (5 tackles for loss) and one interception.

First-year defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has added talent to his recruiting board. However, he has not been able to get a commitment yet this cycle.

Three-star CJ Heard from Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, has been committed to the program since former defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson was here.

Coach Surtain has the Seminoles in contention with a variety of highly-touted prospects at the position, such as five-star KJ Bolden, four-star Zaquan Patterson, four-star Ricardo Jones, four-star Zavier Mincey, four-star Kensley Faustin, four-star Jarvis Boatwright, three-star Ryan Mack, three-star Rydarrius Morgan, and three-star Ashton Hampton.

The good news is that the Seminoles’ top options are still on the recruiting board. Let’s see how the summer months turn out.

Update: Jarvis Boatwright committed to USC late Sunday night(June 4)