National Signing Day for Florida State in 2015 didn’t have the pizazz that many had in the past, but the Seminoles still finished very strong and with the No. 3 overall recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ composite data.
Perhaps the most important thing head coach Jimbo Fisher and crew were able to do on National Signing Day was to ensure the group they had committed was still Tallahassee-bound.
The biggest question mark entering Wednesday was 4-star quarterback Deondre Francois from IMG Academy in Bradenton, which is coached by former Florida State Heisman-winning quarterback Chris Weinke. Last week, Francois’ Twitter account said he had “decommitted from the University of Florida State”.
Francois alleged that he had been hacked and was still completely committed to FSU, but many had their doubts and believed that Francois would ultimately sign with Florida. On Wednesday, Francois stayed true to his word and signed a national letter of intent to play for Fisher and the Seminoles.
According to Rivals, FSU led the country with five 5-star prospects for 2015. Four however, were already enrolled and on campus with Tarvarus McFadden making it five to sign with Florida State on Wednesday.
The most noise that came from Florida State on Wednesday was the Seminoles getting the commitment of 4-star cornerback Marcus Lewis. At this time last week, Florida State was not even on Lewis’ radar as his final decision appeared to be between rival Miami and former FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops’ Kentucky squad. Late Wednesday morning, Lewis had committed to Florida State.
Florida State was on the radar for a couple of other top recruits on Wednesday, but ultimately FSU was unable to pry 4-star defensive tackle Terry Beckner Jr. or 5-star cornerback Iman Marshall out of their home states. Beckner signed with Missouri while Marshall chose Southern Cal.
The Seminoles finished with just 20 signees, but Fisher said this class was more about quality than quantity and it was certainly that. After losing two starting cornerbacks early to the NFL Draft, Florida State picked up five defensive backs including one of the nation’s top overall prospects in 5-star safety Derwin James, from Haines City.
With all-time Florida State great Jameis Winston headed to the NFL, Francois was one of two quarterbacks signed by the Seminoles along with 2014 Florida Mr. Football, De’Andre Johnson.
Francois and Johnson should have a lot of weapons in the future as Florida State signed six offensive skill players headlined by 5-star running back Jacques Patrick. Early enrollee George Campbell, a 5-star prospect, was one of four receivers to choose Florida State while 4-star tight end Jalen Wilkinson from Douglas, Georgia, may be able to play right away with Mackey Award winner Nick O’Leary having graduated.
4-star tackle Abdul Bello was the prize recruit among three offensive linemen to sign with Florida State on Wednesday.
The Seminoles are expected to be very thin along the defensive front seven as FSU signed just one linebacker and two defensive linemen. Among those defensive linemen however, is 5-star defensive end Josh Sweat. Had it not been for a knee injury last season, Sweat would have likely been among the top 10 overall recruits for this class.
In all, Florida State had an excellent National Signing Day inking more 5-star prospects than any other team in the country and addressing areas of concern like the offensive line and secondary. Though the group is the smallest of teams that finished with a top 25 recruiting class, Fisher and Florida State are hopeful that this class can help build on three straight top 10 finishes. As many as six of the 20 will get to showcase their talents in the FSU spring game on April 11th.
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