Now I know that the TKP faithful are a bit split on the theory of "recruiting stars matter" and whatnot. Regardless of what the numbers show (teams that win championships do it with 4 and 5 stars), there's always an argument for the other side. Florida State is the "big time recruits don't guarantee wins" poster program.
FSU seems so far replaced from the 2013 team under Jimbo Fisher that, arguably, had one of the most impressive rosters since the early 2000's Miami teams. Heck, they seem a world away from what Bobby Bowden was doing there in the 90's. But, regardless of last year's record, the 'Noles will start 2019 at 0-0 just like everyone else.
Here's a look into what they're bringing into the program in 2019.
2019 Class:
ACC Rank: 2
Top Recruit: Akeem Dent, CB, West Palm Beach FL (0.9752)
Akeem Dent enrolled this spring in Tallahassee. He was thought of a shoe-in for the Miami 2019 class but flipped to FSU after a couple visits. Most analysts project him as a free safety in college, which is where he's been playing in the spring. Coming out of the spring game, he sits in the two-deep behind Levonta Taylor. Dent comes in and adds instant depth to the secondary, and if all goes to plan should replace Taylor at the free safety position next season.
Biggest Need: O-Line
I mean, did you watch the Tech-FSU game? Sheesh. Those guys sucked.
For the 2019 class, FSU grabbed Dontae Lucas, a 4-star product out of IMG Academy. He'll slide into the backup role at left tackle, and being an early enrollee he'll probably be comfortable enough with the system to find his way onto the field.
But, FSU's needs aren't really for this year. The projecting starting lineup for the o-line goes as follows: Graduate-T, R-Senior, R-Junior, R-Sophomore, R-Junior. Yeah, they're gonna have a lot of shoes to fill in a couple years.
That Graduate transfer is a really interesting guy, Ryan Roberts from Northern Illinois. At NIU, Roberts played tight end but then converted to the line. He's a big guy and very athletic.
Most Exciting Recruit: Raymond Woodie III, ATH, Tallahassee FL (0.9059)
I wanted so badly to put Alex Hornibrook here. So freaking badly. I mean c'mon, Alex Hornibrook and the word "exciting" put together?! Lol. Also, Alex Hornibrook playing at Florida State?! That just doesn't seem to match.
In reality, Hornibook doesn't come close to fitting that offensive scheme, and probably won't see any major playing barring injury or complete collapse.
As for Woodie, he's an insane athlete with good length. He's a hometown kid, and that always counts for something with the fanbase. It may take a while for him to settle into a position, but he can play all over the field, and might find some time in punt and/or kick off return. The dude is crazy fast.
Early Contributor: Jaleel McRae, LB, Bradenton FL (0.9180)
Jaleel McRae not only has the chance to contribute, but lead the defense at the mike linebacker position. McRae capitalized on bad play/injuries in front of him this spring and thrived, having 11 tackles in the spring game. He's 6'2", 230lbs. and still should be in his senior year of high school.
McRae was projected to sign with the Florida Gators until his last official visit to Tallahassee in December. He's a big get, because any addition of talent to that defense will come as a welcome sign.
Sam's Grade: A-
At the end of the day, most of these high school kids are smart. They can see past the win/loss column of one season. FSU was awful last year, and probably won't be too special this season. But Taggart, for all of his flaws as an actual football coach, can recruit the heck out of Florida. The Garnett and Gold still means something down there, and FSU is selling the heck out of it.
FSU got some big time guys, and stole some from in-state rivals. All-in-all, a really solid class for the 'Noles.
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