Tyler Holton - Detroit Tigers
Cal Raleigh - Seattle Mariners
Cole Sands - Minnesota Twins
Taylor Walls - Tampa Bay Rays
DJ Stewart - New York Mets
Luke Weaver - New York Yankees

Kevin Cash - Tampa Bay Rays
Pedro Grifol - Chicago White Sox

There are others in various coaching roles, including Mark Hallberg with the SF Giants, as well as those in the minors

Login to view embedded media

Want to own a piece of Doak Campbell Stadium while supporting The Battle's End

TBE announced a partnership today with CollectibleXchange which will sell signs, bleachers and bricks removed in the stadium renovation with a portion of proceeds supporting the primary FSU NIL collective.

Found an interesting article in Inside Carolina. The UNC Board of Trustees meets this coming Wednesday in a regularly scheduled meeting. It may be too early for action but this article leads me to believe there is ongoing discussion with a close eye on FSU and Clemson's actions.

Here's some excerpts:

"I think that what Clemson is doing is 100 percent proof positive that a significant portion of the membership of the conference is unhappy,” UNC Board of Trustees chair John Preyer told Inside Carolina on Wednesday. “I don't see how it is in anyone's interest for the ACC leadership to try and browbeat its member schools from getting access to information and being transparent. And that's kind of the case Clemson is making.

"I think this shows that what is supposed to be a member-based organization is not being led in a way that represents the best interests of all the members, but instead, it's really representing the bottom tier of the membership at the expense of the top tier, which is why Clemson and Florida State are doing what they're doing. I think that's just obvious."

With FSU and Clemson challenging the conference, speculation has turned to UNC and whether Clemson’s filing has expedited the university’s actions in pursuing all potential options.

"I think it's too soon to tell,” Preyer said, “but it certainly creates added pressure on the conference to address the concerns of its member schools.”

In January,Preyer told UNC's leadershipto do what was in the university’s best interests and that those leaders had an obligation to assess the financial realities of growing revenue gaps between conferences and make the best decision for UNC.

When interviewed by Inside Carolina, UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham was more cautions highlighting UNC’s obligation in being a great partner in
supporting the ACC while the school takes a measured approach amid the current unknowns that exist within the NCAA framework and conference realignment nationally.

There was a clear difference in opinion in the interviews in how to guide UNC through this pivotal moment in collegiate athletics, which suggests a point of contention between the university’s Board of Trustees and its athletic director.

“It is a potential conflict,” Preyer said, “and it's something that is disturbing based on some of the comments he’s made recently which seem to support the ACC at the expense of Carolina – that’s a bad look. I think we all recognize that change is hard, but sometimes change is exactly what is needed. We all have to fight the comfort of complacency. And I think that now is the time to be very open to pursuing all options, including those beyond remaining in the Atlantic Coast Conference."

Mike Norvell shared after today's practice that three FSU players (DT Joshua Farmer, OT Robert Scott and DB Jamari Howard) will be sidelined for the entirety of spring with injuries.

First of all, I think it's going to be run-heavy, because we have great depth at RB and on the OL, and we can let DJ keep it sometimes without worrying about him breaking in half. I think it will be 60% run. As for the passing game, I think our formations will be a lot more spread out. DJ has the arm to throw a 20 yard screen pass with serious velocity. I think we'll be throwing a lot of wide screens to get our athletes in space and keep the box light. Then obviously we will be throwing some deep balls to guys like Benson and Hykeem. I don't think we will be asking DJ to dink and dunk us down the field. He is not consistently accurate enough to move the ball in this way. He's a sub 60% completion percentage guy. That's just the facts. I don't think we will be running the bunch formation pro-style intermediate concepts that JT was so good at. I don't think we will be throwing jump-ball fades all day without Keon and Johnny. I think the passing game will look very different. I think it will be a lot of spread formations, screens, RPOs, and deep balls. Norvell has shown that he adapts his playcalling to the offensive personnel. I don't think he will be asking DJ to run a pro-style offense, because he's just not consistently accurate enough to do it. If we try to make DJ something that he's not, it will be a serious mistake. I trust that Norvell will be realistic with what DJ can and cannot do. I think this offense could be very effective, but I think it could be feast or famine depending on if DJ is hitting deep balls or not. We could lose some games because of his inaccuracy. We could also beat anybody if he's hitting deep balls. I don't think that DJ is going to magically become a high completion percentage guy and turn himself into some big draft prospect. He is who he is at this point. We just need to cater to his strengths. In a way, I think DJ could be the perfect qb for the 12 team playoff era. I don't think he is a guy that you can go 12-0 with, but I do think he could take us on a run in the playoffs. I've noticed that DJ seemed to be at his best at Clemson when he wasn't thinking about form and was just slinging it. Freshman year he was just slinging the ball from all sorts of weird arm angles and he looked amazing. As his career went on, he tried to refine his form to become a better draft prospect, and his accuracy suffered. I'm hoping that Norvell will coach him to forget about form and just sling it again.

FSU sports information:

The No. 18 Florida State softball team (21-9, 4-2) hopes to continue to build off the momentum they built from last week's sweep over Pitt as they host NC State (18-13, 1-8) this Thursday (6 p.m.), Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (Noon). All three games can be seen live on ACCNX. Friday's game will be FSU'a annual Paint It Pink game. FSU will be wearing alternate uniforms which will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. Fans can bid on the jerseys at https://www.32auctions.com/FSUSoftballPIP2024.

Offensive Explosion

• FSU put together one of their best offensive weekends in school history last weekend against Pitt.
• FSU scored 40 runs in three games which was the most runs ever scored by FSU in a three game series against an ACC opponent.
• It was the first time FSU has ever scored 10 or more runs in three consecutive games against an ACC opponent. It was only the fourth time in school history that FSU has had a streak of three or more games with 10 or more runs.
• FSU hit 15 home runs agains the Panthers including seven in the series finale which tied a program record for most home runs in a single game.
• 10 different players hit a home run against the Panthers

Dominance in the ACC

• Florida State has been on top of the ACC for the past decade.
• FSU has won eight out of the last nine ACC Tournament Championships and seven out of the last nine ACC Regular Season Championships.
• Since 2012, FSU has lost just three ACC road series and has not lost an ACC road series since 2019.
• FSU has lost just three ACC series in the last four seasons and have lost just five ACC series since 2012.

A True Home Field Advantage

• The Seminole Softball Complex has become one of the toughest places to play in the country in recent history.
• Since the start of the 2019 season, FSU is 136-22 at the Seminole Softball Complex.
• In the past two seasons, FSU is 48-9 at the Seminole Softball Complex.

Fast Start For The Offense

• The Florida State offense has been one of the best in the country through the first 30 games of the season.
• FSU is averaging 7.83 runs per game which is sixth in the country. FSU is hitting .343 as a team which ranks 9th in the country.
• FSU has scored 235 runs through 30 games this season which is on pace to be a top five offense in school history and could break the school record of 459 runs scored by the 2016 team.
• In 30 games, FSU has scored 8 or more runs in 18 games. In 69 games last season, FSU scored eight or more runs just 22 times.
• FSU has scored 10 or more runs in nine games so far this season after accomplishing that feat just eight times last season.

My Oh Amaya

• Fans have known the name Amaya Ross for awhile but mainly for her insane speed on the base paths. Now, Ross has found herself in the FSU lineup for more than just her speed.
• Ross has started all 30 games this season after making just 18 starts the past two seasons.
• Ross has already surpassed her hit, RBI and home run numbers this season from the last two seasons combined.
• Ross had one of the best weeks of her career at the Dugout Club Classic.
• In six games, Ross recorded 10 hits in 15 at-bats (.667) with six RBI and three triples.
• Ross was involved in 17 out of the Seminoles 47 runs scored in the Dugout Club Classic and was a perfect 5-for-5 on the base paths.
• Ross's five triples is fourth in the country.
• Ross is seventh in the country and first in the ACC with 20 stolen bases this season.
• Ross is the only player in the ACC to steal 20+ bases without being caught. Only one player in the country has stolen more bases without being caught than Ross.
• Ross is second on the team with a .378 batting average.
• Ross leads the ACC and is fourth in the country in runs per game (1.33).
• Ross has stolen 47 bases in 50 attempts over the course of her career.

Tallahassee Native Jaysoni Beachum Clicking on all Cylinders

• Jaysoni Beachum has continued to solidify herself as not only one of the best freshman in the country but as one of the best players in the country
• Beachum, a native of Tallahassee, leads the team with a .479 batting average and 45 hits.
• Beachum has hit seven home runs and driven in 31 runs which is second on the team.
• Beachum has recorded a hit in 24 out of the Seminoles' 30 games this season.
• Out of the 30 games this season, Beachum has had two or more hits in 15 games.
• Beachum has the fourth-highest batting average among freshmen in the country and the 22nd highest batting average in the country.
• Beachum has had two multi-home run games this season. Beachum is the first true freshman since Kalei Harding in 2021 to have a multi-home run game.
• Beachum has also locked down the hot corner for the Noles making 29 starts at the positions. Beachum has committed just two errors this season.

Ocho's Hot Start

• Kalei Harding or "Ocho" continues to be a consistent force for the Florida State lineup and is solidifying herself as one of the top hitters in program history
• Harding is currently hitting .359 with a team-high 32 RBI.
• Against Duke who came in having the best ERA in the country, Harding hit .455 with five RBI. Harding hit three doubles against the Blue Devils.
• Harding also picked up her 200th career hit against the Blue Devils.
• Against UCLA, Harding recorded four hits in five at-bats which was tied for a career high. Harding was the first FSU player since Kaley Mudge in 2021 at the Women's College World Series against Alabama to record four or more hits.
• Her seven RBI game against Charlotte tied Anna Shelnutt (2017) for the school record for RBI in a single game.
• Harding is second all-time in school history for career doubles (53), sixth in school history for career home runs (37), fourth for career RBI (175) and eighth in school history for career slugging percentage (.572).

Torres Finds Groove in the Box and in the Field

• Replacing Josie Muffley is no easy task, but freshman Isa Torres has given her best shot and is off to a great start offensively and defensively for the Noles at the shortstop position.
• Torres is hitting .340 with 21 RBI and has made countless jaw dropping plays at shortstop including a Sportscenter Top 10 catch against Stanford at the Clearwater Invitational.
• Torres came through in the bottom of the seventh against Texas Tech as she hit a walk-off single to take down the Red Raiders on Feb. 10.

Reid Gaining Confidence in the Circle

• As one of the top freshman pitchers in 2023, Makenna Reid has begun to find her groove in the circle in 2024 after a tough start.
• Over the course of her career, Reid holds a 21-1 record for the Seminoles.
• In one of the best performances of her young career, Reid stifled one of the top offenses in Duke as she pitched a career high seven innings while allowing just three hits and not allowing a run.
• In 2023, Reid was one of just three pitchers last season to not suffer a loss joining Alex Storako and Nicole May from Oklahoma.
• Reid was one of just five players to post a sub 1.00 ERA last season.
• Reid was the first Seminole since Sarah Hamilton in 2009 to finish with a sub 1.00 ERA.

Danley Coming Alive in the Circle

• True freshman pitcher and outfielder Ashtyn Danley came to Tallahassee as one of the top recruits in the country and has began to find her footing as a Seminole.
• Danley has made a team-high 11 starts for the Seminoles this season and holds a 5-2 record.
• In her last three appearances against No. 2 Texas and Pitt, Danley has not allowed a run while striking out 12 in 7.1 innings.
• In those 7.1 innings, Danley has allowed just three hits and surrendered just one walk.
• Against one of the top offenses in the country in Texas, Danley threw three scoreless innings while striking out three

Kerr Continues Hot Streak

• Redshirt junior Jahni Kerr is back for the Seminoles after a breakout season in 2023.
• In 2024, Kerr is hitting .352 with 22 RBI in 24 games. Kerr missed five games this season due to injury.
• Last weekend against Pitt, Kerr hit three home runs in three games for the Noles.
• As one of the top recruits in the country coming out of high school, Kerr struggled in her first two seasons as a Seminole as she dealt with the implications of COVID and was recovering from a knee injury that she suffered her freshman season.
• The tide turned for Kerr in 2023, and it all started with a home run in a primetime ESPN slot against Alabama at the 2023 Clearwater Invitational. Kerr came into the game starting in just three out of the Seminoles nine games and was 2-for-10 at the plate.
• Kerr led the team with a .356 batting average while adding eight home runs and 40 RBI in 2023.
• Kerr earned First Team All-ACC honors for the first time in her career and was named to the Preseason All-ACC Team.

Flaherty Feturns to Lead the Noles in the Infield and on the Base Paths

• No one was more dangerous on the base paths last season than Florida State's Devyn Flaherty.
• Flaherty stole 31 bases on 32 attempts which led the ACC.
• Flaherty cracked the all-time top 10 list for most career stolen bases in school history. Flaherty is 93 career stolen bases which puts her tied for eighth in school history.
• Flaherty was one of four players in the NCAA in 2023 to steal 30 or more bases while only being caught once.

A True Utility

• No one has embraced the utility role more in her career than Kalei Harding.
• Harding, who was recruited as a catcher, has played all but three positions (Pitcher, catcher, second base) during her career at Florida State.
• Harding is one of just three active players in the NCAA to have played six or more positions in their career.
• This season, Harding has already played left field, right field, third base and first base.

Ms. Mudge Hopes to be Ms. Consistent Again for the Noles

• When she's not on the Congress floor talking Name, Image and Likeness, Kaley Mudge has been a consistent force at the top of the lineup for the Seminoles.
• After an offseason surgery, Mudge is back to being healthy and has found herself back at the top of the Seminoles' lineup where she was in 55 out of the 69 games last season.
• Mudge has come on strong the last two weeks as she is hitting . 500 in conference play with two home runs and 3 RBI.

Edenfield Looking to Build Off Hot Start as a Seminole

• After redshirting her freshman season, Michaela Edenfield has taken the sport by storm and has been one of the nation's best power and clutch hitters.
• In her first two seasons, Edenfield has recorded two 50+ RBI seasons. Edenfield is one of just six Seminoles who have ever recorded two 50+ RBI seasons as a Seminole.
• Edenfield joined Jessi Warren and Sydney Sherrill as the only Seminoles to have 50+ RBI in their first two seasons in the Garnet and Gold.
• Edenfield will look to join Warren as the only two Seminoles who have recorded three 50+ RBI seasons. Warren had four 50+ RBI seasons as a Seminole.
• Last season, Edenfield was phenomenal when it mattered most. In 2023, 25 out of her 39 hits (64%) resulted in a run being scored. So far in 2024, 14 out of Edenfield's 28 hits (50%) have resulted in a run being scored.
• Edenfield is hitting .378 this season after having not finished with above a .300 batting average in her first two seasons as a Seminole.
• Edenfield hit her first career walk-off against Nicholls as she hit a single to score a run for the Noles to win the game. Later that day, Edenfield hit a walk-off home run to end the game in the fifth inning against Nicholls.
• Edenfield currently sits fourth in FSU history with 38 career home runs.
• Edenfield has had a great start to the 2024 season as she has hit a team-leading eight home runs and has driven in 25 runs while hitting .377.

Staying Patient at the Plate

• Last season, FSU was one of the best teams in the country at staying patient at the plate and this year doesn't seem to be any different.
• Last season, FSU drew 249 walks which ranked third in the country.
• In 30 games, FSU has drawn 125 walks which is currently ranked 12th in the country.

Joe Charles, John Abraham and Brennen Oxford were among the bounce-back bullpen performances from FSU on Tuesday night. And it's a welcome sign going into the Louisville series, which begins on Thursday:

From Yahoo sports:

In many aspects, college athletics is steadily expanding.

The College Football Playoff, for example, is moving from four to 12 teams. The four major conferences will grow next academic year by a combined 13 teams. League television contracts continue rising, coaching salaries soar and the schedule itself is growing longer.

Next up: coaching staffs.

The NCAA Football Oversight Committee introduced a legislative proposal this month that would expand the abilities of a football support staff, permitting all staff members to provide players skill and tactical coaching instruction — both during practice and games. The proposal, introduced for a second straight year after failing to get approval last spring, eliminates the policy limiting coaching instruction to only the NCAA’s maximum of 11 “countable” coaches: the 10 assistants and head coach.

The proposal strictly maintains the number of off-campus recruiters to 11, but gives flexibility to head coaches to potentially designate any 10 staff members as “countable” coaches who are eligible to recruit off-campus.

The proposal is now in a six-week socialization stage as members of the oversight committee receive feedback from their respective conferences. The committee is scheduled to meet in mid-May to assess feedback and potentially adopt the legislation. Any adoption from the committee is subject to the approval of the DI Council, the primary NCAA governing board that consists of 40 members from all 32 conferences.

If the proposal is adopted, it will take effect either in time for summer training or the start of fall camp, said Craig Bohl, the executive director of the American Football Coaches Association. The AFCA endorses the proposal “100%,” said Bohl, who sits on the oversight committee.

“This is probably the most common sense approach that we could make,” he told Yahoo Sports. “For years, we’ve had analysts and quality control coaches who have had a desire to coach. So much has changed with the landscape with players now being compensated. To be concerned that you’re going to have an assistant quarterbacks coach out there coaching is counter productive. It’s been a compliance nightmare.”

We spoke with Max Buchanan last night. He has scheduled an official visit with FSU for June 7th and probably the bigger news is that he told us that he will no longer be considering the University of Florida and has cancelled his official visit with the Gators. Buchanan was the FSU campus on both Friday and Saturday of last week.

Login to view embedded media

Damn!

Login to view embedded media

With the NCAA likely to approve helmet communication systems starting this fall, FSU is proactively working with the technology and getting advice from those who have used it this spring.

Thursday's spring scrimmage presents the first game-like test for the Seminoles' use of coach-to-player helmet communication.

The latest news and rumors on more than 25 prospects here:

JACKSONVILLE — Florida State's bullpen returned to effective form. And the Seminoles' bats? They were alive from the start.

Drew Faurot hit a grand slam in the eighth to give FSU a 14-3 run-rule victory over Florida on Tuesday night in eight innings at 121 Financial Ballpark. Faurot also had a home run in the fourth as the Seminoles pounded out 15 hits.

Daniel Cantu went 3 for 5 with a home run and five RBI, while James Tibbs went 3 for 4 with three runs scored.

The Seminoles (20-3) have won the regular season series over UF for the first time since 2015, and they did it by scoring 10 or more runs in each game.

Yikes.

You'll read about some familiar 2025 and 2026 QBs in this story from Rivals' John Garcia:

There are more commitments each and every week as we move further into the spring and quarterbacks are at the center of it all. Big decisions are coming with plenty of critical storylines to track when it comes to the quarterback position.

Here are the biggest quarterback storylines in the Southeast Region.

I read ACC Network but my guide doesn’t show it.

I mean the Clemson game at 1:00. Any ideas??

FSU held its final practice before Thursday's first spring scrimmage today. The offense was exceptional throughout and the defense finished very strong. A lot to like all around.

Here's our full practice report, with assists from Jerry and Pat.

No. 17 Florida State (19-3) will play No. 6 Florida (14-9) on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the 121 Financial Ballpark / Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. There will be a live stream on SEC Network+.

FSU has not announced a starter but it could be LHP Andrew Armstrong (2-0, 3.75 ERA). He has 17 strikeouts and given up just two walks in 12 innings this year. Armstrong tossed three shutout innings in the win over UF two weeks ago in Gainesville.

UF lists RHP Alex Philpott (2-1 4.50 ERA) as its probable starter.

Florida has struggled in midweek games, losing to FSU, Stetson, Jacksonville and UCF. While they don't have enough experienced pitching depth for the midweek games, UF has taken two of three vs. Texas A&M and LSU in back-to-back weeks.

I'll have some pregame updates and some photos from the ballpark in the thread below. Follow along and chat with us:

After today's fourth practice of spring, Mike Norvell and Ron Dugans joined us to talk the start of spring and preview Thursday's first spring scrimmage.

FSU sports information:

For the third time in program history, No. 11 Florida State Men’s Golf won the Valspar Collegiate Invitational after shooting 19-under (280-278-275) to fend off second-place Vanderbilt (-15) on Tuesday at Floridian Golf Club in Palm City, Fla.

The Seminoles also won the prestigious event in 2015 and 2021. Sophomore Luke Clanton won his second consecutive tournament, carding a 14-under score (65-68-66) that including a clinching final-round 66 on Tuesday.

Clanton won his last tournament played at the Seminole Intercollegiate. He is the first Seminole to win consecutive tournaments since national golfer of the year John Pak won in back-to-back fashion in the shortened 2020 season at the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate (Feb. 11) and the Seminole Intercollegiate (Feb. 23).

The victory also marks the 100th tournament win for the Florida State Men’s Golf program, which dates back to their first win at the Dixie Conference Tournament on May 20, 1950.

Clanton, who now owns three collegiate wins, tore up Floridian Golf Club with eight more birdies in his final round. Remarkably, he completed another string of four consecutive birdies on holes 12-15, a four-birdie run that he also did in his second round on holes 5-8.

Clanton led the field with 18 birdies in his three rounds played. He won the tournament by five strokes over Vanderbilt’s Matthew Riedel (-9) and Arkansas’ Christian Castillo (-9).

Seniors Frederik Kjettrup (75-68-67) and Gray Albright (70-69-71) each tied for eighth place at 3-under. Kjettrup came through with a big final-round 67, recording five birdies.

Freshman Tyler Weaver also played a big role in securing the win, shooting a final-round 71 at even par.

Vanderbilt finished in second place at 15-under, followed by Arizona State (-10), Arkansas (-9) and Oklahoma (even) to finish the Top 5.

The Seminoles play in their final regular-season tournament at the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial held at Birdwood Golf Club in Charlottesville, Va., from April 8-9.

Over nine minutes of footage from FSU’s fourth spring practice Tuesday afternoon.

at least publicly. Spring decision still likely and he'll be at FSU Thursday

DJ Uiagalelei’s ability to throw deep is already drawing smiles.

“It’s beautiful,” FSU wide receiver Malik Benson said. “A guy like me, I like to go run the deep ball and I like to catch deep balls. Just having that this year to be able to take the top off and a guy like him to throw, it’s going to be very special.”

Uiagalelei has played in 47 college games between his years at Clemson and last season at Oregon State, throwing for 8,319 yards. But in his final season of college football, Uiagalelei was seeking a new challenge at a school he had long followed growing up at the west coast.

“I was excited to come here, excited to learn from a new group of offensive staff, learn a new offense and just be able to grow my mind for the game of football,” Uiagalelei said. “… You could feel the tradition, you could feel the excitement, you could feel the rich tradition. Everybody in the country knows Florida State. To me, it’s a true honor to be here at Florida State.”

FSU sports information:

Sophomore guard Ta’Niya Latson is one of 52 region finalists nationally for the 10-member WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America team, announced on Tuesday by one of collegiate women’s basketball’s most well-known organizations.

The Miami native is seeking her second All-America award this season after being selected to the Associated Press All-America Team last week. Latson finished her sophomore season as just the second Seminole to cross 700+ points in a season, scoring 705. Only her and all-time leader scorer Sue Galkantas (710 points in 1981-82) have crossed the 700-point mark.

Latson finished her second season averaging 21.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals, leading FSU in scoring, steals and assists. She delivered seven 30-point games in 2023-24, including six in ACC play to tie for the league lead with Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley.

As the NCAA Women’s Basketball world heads into the Sweet 16, Latson ranks in the Top 15 nationally in points scored (eighth; 705), field goals made (10th; 258), free throws made (11th; 162) and points per game (13th; 21.4).

One of her many highlights this past season was her three consecutive 30-point games against Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and NC State from Dec. 29-Jan. 4.

NCAA Division I head coaches who are WBCA members may nominate players from their own teams for Coaches’ All-America. They then vote for the top eight players in their respective regions from among those players who are nominated. The WBCA NCAA Division I Awards Committee, which is composed of head coaches from each region who are elected by their peers, may select up to 12 additional at-large finalists from the remaining pool of nominees.

The committee will meet in Cleveland in conjunction with the annual WBCA Convention to select the 2024 Wade Trophy winner and the 2024 WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America team. Both will be announced on April 4.

FSU had their legacy weekend for recruiting. The results so far from the event look good. They had top targets like DT Myron Charles and RB Byron Louis on campus. Landing these two would go a long way to helping FSU land a potential top 5-10 class.

These are the types of prospects FSU must land. Louis is one of FSU main targets at RB, and Charles has been a major priority from Day 1. Both players are also being recruited at a position of need.

We will break down the weekend and tell you our thoughts on each prospect.

QB Tramell Jones - Jacksonville Mandarin - 6-foot, 200: Jones did help lead Mandarin to the state finals. He is a pure pocket passer. He is someone that you will need to play around his strengths as a quarterback. When he has time to throw, Jones is accurate at pushing the ball down the field. He does have a tendency to make his first read and will force the ball. He does not have a big-time arm. Jones is a solid quarterback but it would not surprise us to see FSU sign two signal callers in this class. (Chances of landing Jones: Committed to FSU)

QB Will Griffin - Tampa Jesuit - 6-3, 220 (2026): Griffin reminds me of Tim Tebow. He is probably a better passer coming out of high school, but Griffin looks like the former Gator. He is a big kid and that was when I saw him the first time as a freshman. I can't imagine what he will look like in college. He is probably going to end up 235-240 pounds in college. He is a good athlete. He runs well. As an OC he is someone you will design plays for him to take advantage of his athletic ability. He is a solid passer but still needs to refine that part of his game. Player comp outside of Tebow would be Will Levis. Chances of landing Griffin: (25%), Gators (60%), Field (15%)

RB Byron Louis - American Heritage - 6-1, 200: Louis provides FSU with something they look for in a back size and speed. He runs with power. You will see him run between the tackles and bounce it outside. He has good vision. He does not go down on first contact. He is a complete back. One that is going to wear a defense down. He is a back that runs with patience. You will see him wait until his blocks set up and Louis will come out the other side. As for their chances we feel FSU is now in the lead along with Ohio State. We are big on visits. He just took a visit to FSU and it went very well. Chances of landing Louis (40%), Ohio State (30%), Field (10%)

RB Alvin Henderson - Alba HS - 5-10, 190: Outside of Louis, Henderson is at the top of the recruiting board. FSU has to beat out hometown Auburn for his services. Henderson is one of my favorite players in this year’s class. He is electric with the ball in his hands. Auburn has put out some very good backs. He is similar to Cadillac Williams. He has the speed and quickness to go the distance anywhere on the field. Chances of landing Henderson (30%), Auburn (55%), Field (15%)

WR Vernell Brown - Orlando Jones - 5-11, 170: Watched Brown this spring. He reminds me of Terrence Brooks, who FSU landed out of Dunnellon HS. Brown is more highly regarded but they are built the same way. Brown wants to play WR, I project him more as a DB. He is built like a tank. He is strong for someone his size. He runs very well. He has the football instincts you want to see. As a receiver, I feel Brown could be very good. At defensive back, I feel Brown could end up an elite player. Chances of landing Brown: (20%), Ohio State (50%), Field (30%)

OL Ziyare Addison - Sumner HS - 6-5, 280: FSU is looking to sign one of the top offensive line classes in the country. Addison is a big, fluid athlete. He can move for a big man. We feel that Addison can play tackle or guard. He is very nimble on his feet. You watch him move laterally and it comes easy for him. He can pass pro as well as anyone you watch on film. You can see him get out and block defenders in space. He bends very well. This kid is a complete player. You can line him up at tackle, guard or center in college. Chances of landing Addison: (50%), Clemson (30%), Field (20%)

OL Max Buchanan - Seminole HS - 6-4, 275: Buchanan is another very good lineman from the state of Florida. He is more likely to play guard or center. He has been on FSU's radar for two seasons. He is not a big-bodied lineman. Buchanan needs to continue to develop physically. He does have some natural strength. You will see him use his hands well. He does well at coming off the ball and getting onto a defender. He needs to learn to finish. Chances of landing Buchanan: (70%), Field (30%)

OL Kaden Strayhorn - Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy - 6-3, 280: Strayhorn has started or played since his freshman season at IMG. He is a guard and that makes him less of a priority. Good player. He plays with good leverage. You will see him push defenders back. He is not someone that is going to come off the ball and just maul you. He has solid technique. You would like to see him get bigger and stronger. He is someone FSU will recruit but if someone like Buchanan commits early, Kaden becomes less of a priority for the Seminoles. Chances of landing Strayhorn: (15%).

DE Javion Hilson - Cocoa HS - 6-4, 225: Hilson is one of the premier defensive ends in the country. His game reminds me of Dallas Turner, who played at Alabama and is about to go in the first round of the draft. Even when he does not get a sack on a quarterback, Hilson provides constants pressure off the edge. He does a good job of sealing the edge on run plays. He is athletic. He does not get broken down by skill players. He is someone that is only going to get better. Chances of landing: Committed to FSU

DT Myron Charles - Port Charlotte - 6-4, 290: One thing Charles shows in person is power. He is strong in his hands. He can get off blocks and get into the backfield quickly. He has a quick first step. He plays with good leverage. You will see him get under an offensive lineman. He has more than one move off the ball. Charles is a prospect that can play defensive end or slide inside and play tackle. He is one of the top linemen in Florida. Chances of landing Charles: (80%), Field (20%).

DL Jalen Wiggins - Tallahassee Rickards - 6-4, 240: Wiggins is one of the best local talents in Tallahassee this year. He committed early on to UF but that has not kept FSU from going after him. He was on campus this weekend and we expect him to continue to show up in the near future. He is a big, strong lineman who can physically whip the guy in front of him. His strength is playing the run. We feel Wiggins still has plenty of room to improve. FSU has made him a priority. Look for them to be in it until the very end. Chances of landing: Committed to UF. (FSU-50%). I expect him to flip.

DT Jarquez Carter - Newberry HS - 6-2, 280: A few years back FSU went to Newberry High School and landed two defensive linemen. They are looking to go back there and nab Carter. He is listed at 6'2 but that maybe pushing it. He is a sawed-off tackle who plays hard. He provides depth for the class. Chances of landing Carter: (60%), Field (40%)

DT Floyd Boucard - Miami Central - 6-3, 290: Boucard reminds me of Broderick Bunkley. He is big, strong and physical. He dominated the UA camp a couple of weeks ago. To think this kid used to play hockey is crazy. I can't imagine him coming down the ice and hitting someone. He is big and agile. He has a quick first step off the ball. He is so strong with his hands. He just moves guys around. Boucard has recently moved to Miami and will play at Central. Chances of landing: (20%), Miami, (40%), Louisville (30%), Michigan State (10%)

LB Riley Pettijohn - McKinney, Texas - 6-3, 200: Riley is a major priority. As our staff pointed out his brother attends FAMU. This is huge. FSU needs a big time linebacker. His first clip on his highlight is of Riley running down on special teams and laying someone out. He is very instinctual. That is one of the first things you notice on film. He closes quickly. He is able to identify what he is going on and attack. He can play inside or out. He does at times run around blocks. We would like to see him take a lineman on, get off the block and make the play behind the line of scrimmage. He keeps his feet moving. You will see him initiate contact and you won't see him stop his feet. He can play in space. You can drop him into coverage and Riley is not a liability. Chances of landing Riley: FSU (20%), USC (20%), Texas (30%), UGA (15%), Ohio State (15%)

DB Max Redmon - Cardinal Newman - 6-2, 180: Watched him last year at FAU summer camp. FSU coaches got their first glimpse at him as well. He is a big, long, athletic defensive back. He is going to be physical at the line of scrimmage. Max is one of the better defensive backs in the class. He has very good feet. He stays in front of receivers. He will lock a receiver down. He has good technique. For a bigger defensive back, Redmon is fluid. Chances of landing Redmon: (50%), Field (50%). If FSU turns up the heat this recruitment could end before the summer is out.

DB Zae Thomas - American Heritage - 6-2, 190: It is not a matter of if but when. Thomas has been on campus multiple times this spring. FSU is the favorite and you can see why. He has size and length. He is a defensive back that has some versatility. You can line him up at corner or safety at the next level. He has some range. It would not surprise us to see him play free safety at the next level. The one common theme with FSU defensive back recruiting is these guys all have size and length. Chances of landing Thomas: (80%), Field (20%)

DB Dallas Golden - Tampa Berkeley Prep - 6-0, 180: Golden is another favorite of mine. He is a good football player. He may not have elite measurables but when you put him on the football field, Golden produces. He is one of the main reasons why Berkeley Prep upset Miami Norland last season. He has above average size. He has pretty good speed. He has very good feet. He moves around the field like an athlete. He comes from a school that has not been kind to FSU. Chances of landing Golden: (15%) and rising, ND (60%), Field (25%)