DL EARNEST RANKINS (FLORIDA STATE COMMIT)
This is a situation where I believe that the Seminoles have to keep the talent that they have in the class committed. It was frustrating losing someone like three-star defensive tackle Tico Crittendon because his size was something that could be used in the trenches.
Defensive line coach Terrance Knighton faced a ton of social media backlash, after not acquiring that many talented linemen. Then, he followed up with landing four-star defensive lineman Earnest Rankins from Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, Georgia, in early July.
The trenches are something that great teams continue to stack talent at. Since many college football teams are active in the transfer portal, it is more difficult to acquire defensive linemen since they are in such high demand. Rankins is considered a top-150 prospect in the 247Sports rankings, and the Seminoles cannot afford to let him walk away.
The defensive line has not been a great help to Florida State this year, as the transfers have been underwhelming. However, the Desir Twins have been productive, and it teaches the Seminoles to build from within the high school ranks to get the talent.