It has been nearly a week since I wrote this piece regarding FSU's approach to the Spring Transfer Portal Window. FSU fans love to react to what other teams are doing without taking the time to understand why FSU coaches move how they move when it comes to the transfer portal.
As I wrote, FSU did most of its heavy lifting in the winter window by design, so those additions could experience spring camp and likely provide more of an impact for this season. FSU had a few remaining needs after assessing the roster throughout spring camp, and a few departures created opportunities to improve depth at a couple of positions.
The transfer portal officially closed on Friday, but a few more names could pop up as schools take their time to process the requests. Now that the portal has closed and the coaches know who's staying, they have subtly started turning up the heat on emerging targets at key positions.
They've already added a cornerback and developmental quarterback and have targeted a safety, offensive linemen, edge, linebacker, receiver, and tight end.
The coaching staff did a great job eliminating dead weight from its roster, with nearly 10 departures as spring camp concluded. None of those players were major losses, and frankly, probably wouldn't have contributed much this season because they have been injured or unproductive historically.
The players FSU coaches are targeting have experience and production, which should continue to raise the floor and expectations. The question is how quickly can these new additions acclimate to everything and learn the plays while attempting to fit into the culture.
Since FSU showed patience, it's possible they allowed other teams to shoot their wads early and can find some value plays without spending a ton of money. Transfers can visit schools as long as they are in the portal even though it's closed. We expect FSU to host several players over the next few days. We'll have a better idea of how they did this spring after we know who they acquired. I have a sneaky suspicion they did better than most think in the portal overall, especially if guys can remain healthy.