We’re getting ready for the stretch run to National Signing Day, and all the major players are jockeying for position.
One of the more respectable finishes is that of Florida State, as Willie Taggart and his staff have steered the Seminoles into the top 15 when they were outside the top 50 just a few weeks ago.
So, how will Florida State’s recruiting class look when it all said and done? Well, I’m going to go with the “Big Game James’ Magic 8 Ball” to figure it out. Some readers may be too young to remember those, but when dealing with 17- to 19-year-olds making decisions, nothing is close to being 100 percent accurate and I think my trusty “8 Ball” will provide as much clarity as anything else.
We will shake this thing 10 times and see what the answers are.
QB James Foster
The 8-ball says: Signs point to yes.
The buzz: I believe FSU gets him. Taggart would like to have a quarterback in this class, but not getting him wouldn’t be the worst thing as FSU is moving toward quarterbacks in the next few cycles.
DE Malcolm Lamar
The 8-ball says: Outlook good.
The buzz: FSU broke the Armwood High “curse” with the commitment of Warren Thompson and looks primed to make it a trio. FSU’s needs at defensive end are such that it is just too great for Lamar to pass up.
DT Jamarcus Chatman
The 8-ball says: Concentrate and ask again.
The buzz: Miami is making a major push for his services. FSU is beyond deep at defensive tackle, but quality is always welcome, and Taggart and Co. still are recruiting him hard.
WR Jordan Young
The 8-ball says: As I see it, yes.
The buzz: The meteoric rise of the young man from Conyers, Ga., is amazing. I’ve always said if FSU can get him on campus, he will be a ’Nole. Well, he’s going to be on campus.
LB James Miller
The 8-ball says: He’s going to be a ’Nole.
The buzz: The hard-hitting linebacker would finish up the Armwood trio, and he might be a jewel of the class. FSU needs some talented, hard-nosed linebackers, and I think this guy can be an impact player.
WR Keyshawn Helton
The 8-ball says: It is decidedly so.
The buzz: He is Derrick Brooks’ nephew. FSU is hoping he commits. Helton reminds me of Nyquan Murray.
RELATED: A 6-point plan for Willie Taggart to get FSU back to its dominant ways
ATH Tre’Shaun Harrison
The 8-ball says: Without a doubt.
The buzz: Taggart’s West Coast connection continues. Whoever coordinates FSU’s in-home visits – most likely David Kelly – did it right as the Seminoles got the last in-home with Harrison.
DE Andrew Chatfield
The 8-ball says: Don’t count on it.
The buzz: FSU pretty much is shut out of this one. But while FSU has needs at defensive end, he is a little on the smaller side.
RB Anthony Grant
The 8-ball says: Cannot predict now.
The buzz: The crowded depth chart probably doesn’t look good to most high school backs. Still, he’s visiting for a reason, and Tallahassee isn’t the sexiest vacation destination in Florida. While there is a chance to land this talented running back, I’m not betting on it.
WR Antoine Green
The 8-ball says: My sources say no.
The buzz: He took his visit early in the coaching transition. He’d still be a good get.
All in all, I believe FSU signs seven of these 10. If my prediction of Harrison, Foster, Helton, Young, Miller, Chatman and Lamar comes true, “Big Game James’ Magic 8 Ball” says FSU would finish with a top-10 class.
This Article First Appeared on Gridiron Now: http://gridironnow.com/prediction-florida-states-recruiting-class-shakes/
