Yesterday was National Signing Day, also known as the biggest non-gameday in college football. While Texas, Oklahoma and…well…the entire SEC gobbled up a good chunk of the nation’s talent, one team hung below the radar, yet emerged with a better than expected class that should help them compete in an otherwise weak conference.
The team? Florida State.
Jimbo Fisher has a dynamite recruiting class in his first season as head coach following Bobby Bowden’s retirement. After a half-dozen years of mediocracy, the Seminoles should expect to not only win the ACC in 2010, but maybe contend for a national title.
I’m serious.
The ‘Noles have the schedule to contend even with a loss. The Florida game is in Tallahassee, as is the BYU game. The toughest nonconference game may be a trip to Norman, but the Sooners are down this year. Every ACC game is winnable. Especially with this class.
Fisher reeled in 14 defensive players to help improve a defense that has been on a steady decline since the 2005 ACC Championship season. Linebacker Christian Jones is a five-star recruit and a pass-blocker’s nightmare. Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner is a speed demon who can light up a receiver in the open field. Together, they are the best two recruits in the state, and Fisher got both to come to Tallahassee instead of Gainesville. Jeff Luc is a quick and well-built inside linebacker that will also improve the defense against the short passing game.
The Seminoles don’t have much to add offensively but did get two stellar receivers in Kenny Shaw and Christian Green, keeping in line with its history of recruiting tall, athletic receivers.
ESPN ranked Florida State’s recruiting class #6. They are #10 on Rivals.com and #16 on MaxPreps. All three rankings have the ‘Noles leading the ACC, with Clemson the most popular second choice.
If these freshmen can get acquainted right away, look for Florida State to be the sleeper team of 2010.
The biggest question is whether they can translate their stellar recruiting class to on-field success (see Ron Zook). Jimbo has been coaching the team for the past few years (you can’t say Bowden has been anything more than a figure in the FSU athletic department) and while they’ve had good recruiting classes, they have failed to live up to expectations.
A #6 recruiting class is pretty damn good for a first year HC, though. Count me as thoroughly impressed thus far.
I agree with you on Bowden…all he has done the past few years is stand on the sidelines with his hands behind his back and chew bubble gum.
And you’re right about on-field success. The past four years, FSU has started in the AP top 25 and has failed to finish in the polls. As mediocre as the ACC is though, I like their chances.
Thanks for reading!