1. Deandre Desinor - Delray Atlantic - 5-9, 180 - If Marion comes in I would not be surprised if FSU went after Deandre. He has around 1,500 all-purpose yards according to his head coach. He was someone that FSU was in on early and the thought was a commitment may come. He is a top 5 back in Florida this year.

2. Taevion Swint - Osceola - 5-10, 175 - Osceola always seems to have a good run game. With Swint it is no surprise. FSU showed some interest. He committed early on to UCF. He is someone that can play special teams. I like that he brings a blend of speed and quickness to your offense.

3. Waltez Clark - Tampa Plant - 6-2, 190 - Clark is a reason why FSU should have spent more time in Tampa. He has been committed to UF for awhile now. With them landing Louis, FSU needs to try and return the favor. He gives you a back with more size.

4. Jamarice Wilder - Venice - 5-9, 180 - He is not big but Wilder is well-built. He was on a team that made the state finals. They could be back in the finals this year. He has the ability to break off long runs. He is committed to Louisville.

5. Jaquari Lewis - Chaminade - 5-8, 180 - First saw him at Dillard as a freshman can away impressed. He is similar to Lucas, who came from Indiana this past season. He is committed to App State. He has some Treshaun Ward in his game. I like that he can also help out in the passing game.

6. Joseph Troupe - Tampa Berkeley Prep - 5-8, 190 - Yes, he is committed to Temple. Yes, Temple just fired his coach. If you don't believe me ask Jerry and Pat what they think about this kid. On third and over 20 last year in the state title game vs. Norland it was Troupe's impressive run that ended the game. He is not big but Troupe runs with power. He is tough to bring down. I feel like he plays with a chip on his shoulder.

With the season coming to an end this weekend against University of Florida, FSU is going to move fast on their hires. I expect FSU to name and OC, followed by a DC and other moves to be put in place right away. With so much going on we will break down OC and OL coaches at the same time moving forward. One of the names who should be at the top of the list is Garin Justice. He is the offensive line coach at SMU. He played college football at West Virginia (Rick Trickett OL Coach). He was the Head Coach at Concord University in West Virginia and they won 14 games and made the playoffs (40-17 record). He has coached at WVU, UNLV, Miami (Manny Diaz -HC) and SMU.

Why Garin - I met Garin while he was the GA at FSU. Even back then you could tell he would be a good coach. He was very involved in FSU OL while Jimbo was HC. He had good offensive lines at FAU under Lane Kiffin. He went to Miami and their OL was good. He has one of the better offensive lines in the ACC this year with SMU and lost three starters to the portal before this season. His offensive lines can run and pass block well at SMU. The Ponies are #16 in the nation in allowing sacks. FSU is 130th. This would be a major upgrade from what FSU has had the past couple of seasons. SMU is 37th nationally in running the football. They are 33rd passing the football. They are 5th in scoring offense. Garin has coached in the ACC. He is going to be a head coach once again at some point. He has recruited the state of Florida and enjoys doing so. He checks a lot of the boxes off.

Why not? There are not many reasons why Garin should not be the top choice. It is not FSU choice as Garin is going to be sought after this off-season or in future off-seasons. He is one of the top young offensive line coaches in the country. He also plays for a team that has money and is in the ACC title game. They could make the playoffs in year one at the P4 level.

Final Thoughts: I am super high on Garin. He has lived in Tallahassee. He knows the lay of the land. He is one of the top young offensive line coaches in the country. He can recruit Florida. He is Trickett without all the yelling and screaming. I think he teaches good technique. His players under his watch get better. He knows how to recruit and develop offensive lineman. I like the fact that he was a head coach. It gives MN another coach who can lean on and Trust to run the show. Garin is one of my top choices and would be a home run hire.

Today we will look at another Offensive Coordinator Candidate, Joe Craddock of Tulane. He was the OC/QB Coach at Arkansas in 2018-2019. He was the OC/QB coach 2022-2023 Troy and followed his head coach to Tulane this past season. He is from Alabama.


Why Joe Craddock - We discussed with other coaches about checking the boxes. Coached in the ACC/SEC (Clemson-2012-2014). Coached in the SEC (Arkansas). He is young (39 years old), he will most likely be a head coach candidate in the future (Check). He has recruited Florida (Check). He has coached under some good coaches. Chad Morris while not a great head coach at Arkansas, he was the OC who got Clemson headed in the right direction. He played quarterback in college (Middle Tennessee State). So like Tino Sunseri he can relate to the modern QB.

Troy - In 2023 the Trojans were 34th in passing offense. They were 38th in total offense. In the stat most experts feel is most important they were 32nd in yards per play. HIs Troy teams were always ranked at the top of the Sun-Belt on offensive categories.

Tulane - 2024-At Tulane this year his offense is #20th in the country in Total offense (Yards per play). Scoring offense at Tulane they are #4 in the country. Rushing offense #10 in the country. What he has shown in his career that at Troy his passing offenses were very good? At Tulane he showed the ability to run the ball with success.

Tulane has a freshman QB -Darien Mensah- 2197 yards, 18 TD-4 Interceptions. His QB has 65.9 percent completion rate. Mensah has 83 yards rushing on the season. Not what you would call a dual threat QB. Would he come with Craddock? That is why some have him on the list.

Why not Craddock: Some will not like the fact that most of his coordinator stops have been at G5 programs. He did have a stint at Arkansas which was not very successful. He has worked his way back up the ladder. Can he recruit in the state of Florida? He has dabbled a little bit but not known as an elite recruiter. The biggest question can he help turn around FSU. There is not time for him to figure this thing out. FSU is a hot mess and they need clean up on aisle four.

Final Thoughts: If FSU was winning and Craddock was the up incoming OC, then taking a shot on him would not be a big deal. FSU needs someone that can turn the offense around in year one. Someone that can get prospects interested in FSU right now. I don't know if he can get the job done. I think Craddock will continue to climb and it will most likely be with another program. Most years he is a very good hire. This year at FSU under the circumstances is probably not a good idea.

On Sunday, the FSU football program will begin an offseason of turmoil and change. But first, Mike Norvell hopes his team can end a disappointing season with its best performance of the season vs. rival Florida.

"It's the last opportunity that we have."

Jalen Ramsey has four tackles and a sack in Dolphins win, among the stats of note from Seminoles in the NFL from the weekend: