Happy New Years to all...I need to ask Larry David how long after the New Year do you stop saying Happy New Year. FSU has put together a very good portal class. With the addition of Caleb LaValle, FSU is up to 12 new players. This does not include Darrell Jackson taking his name out of the NFL Draft and Omar Graham taking his name out of the portal.
What is different between this years and last? PRODUCTION
Luke Petlbon-OL-6'3-290 - He started 11 games during 2024, started 11 games in 2023. Played in 11 of the 14 games in 2021. He appeared in 6 games in 2020. He has a ton of starts and was very productive. He gives FSU an experienced lineman who has played games against other ACC teams.
Micah Pettus - OL-6'7-350 - Love the guy’s size. FSU needed size and that is exactly what Pettus gives them. He was a quality starter in the SEC. He should really help FSU in the run game.
Adrian Medley - OL-6'5-200 - Another multi-year starter. I like the experience. He played against some big dudes in the Big 12. The transition to the ACC should be smooth.
Gunnar Hansen - OL-6'5-330 - Another multiyear starter. One of the Vandy best OL. He gives you a quality lineman in the run game. Must improve in pass pro. He could play multiple positions at FSU.
I would still like to see FSU invest in a couple more quality offensive lineman. If they can find a couple of smaller school guys who can compete for starting jobs but at least can be productive if they are called upon that would be great. I don't believe FSU is done on the OL in the portal.
The other prospects Caleb Lavelle (UNC-LB), Duce Robinson 23 Receptions - 396 yards (17.2 AVG) 5 TD, Randy Pittman - 32 receptions 416 yards 2 TD, Deante McCray (99 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks). James Williams (14 Tackles, 5.5 Sacks, 5.5 TFL).
The players they are bringing in are productive.
Compare that to 2024
Shawn Murphy -DNP
Cam Riley -Auburn 24 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
Omarion Cooper -DNP
Jacob Rizy - Played final few games.
Richie Leonard-Played at UF
Roydell Williams - Played at Bama but had around 1000 yards rushing in four seasons.
Earl Little (never played at Bama), Jalen Brown (did not play much at LSU), Marvin Jones (backup at UGA), Davonte Brown (benched at Miami and pushed out) Malik Benson (13 catches 162 yards 1 TD) - Most if not all the takes last year were either guys who were benched, did not play or never played at their prior schools. They were takes based on star ratings out of HS. Very little production before and once at FSU. This year the guys who have been takes are legit prospects.
Who is next.....
LB Elijah Herring - I really wish Chandler Martin was the LB that FSU could land. Herring gives you some size at LB. He is not small. He is a kid that can play in space. You like the fact that he can get out into the flats and cover backs and receivers. That is something FSU has had issues with. Herring is 4th in tackles (60), 2nd in TFL (7.5) and 3rd in sacks (3.5) you can bring him on the blitz. I feel confident in saying that Herring being a Nole is likely at this point.
DE Chris Murray - DE-Sam Houston State - Does a great job of using his hands. He gets inside tackles bodies. He has understands leverage. Not a super athlete kid but more of an effort type player. He is violent with his hands. That is important for defensive lineman. I feel he is a good fit for what FSU is going to do in a 3-3-5 defense. He can play with his hand in the ground. I also feel you can stand him up and let him rush the passer. He took a visit or is visiting FSU and they stand a very good shot at landing him. Production is key (35 tackles) which was 7th on his team. He led his team with 5.5 Sacks. He had 11.5 TFL.
Rashul Faison - Utah State -RB - 5'11-200 -I have watched Utah State film. Not sure what to think of Faison. He seems to have poor vision. He runs up on his lineman. He will run hard. He is a productive player but not sure I want him taking reps from some of the other backs. I think he is a kid that can help FSU but do have concerns with him taking reps from the younger backs. Think FSU has a shot but not ready to future cast him to the Seminoles.
Traylon Ray -West Virginia - 28 receptions - 426 yards - Watching his highlights not sure if he is better then what FSU has. Good receiver. Runs decent routes. He has some speed but not a kid I would say is a burner. He has pretty good hands. Will go across the middle. I honestly feel that FSU has some quality young players and I am not sure I am willing to pass on them for Ray. I am skeptical of kids passing on FSU only to come back. He is a take but would not care if they do pass. Local kid who FSU may take. I have him on hold for right now.
Squirrel White- Tennessee - 5'10-170 - 38 catches 381 yards - 2 TD- White has some juice. He is someone that can run the bubble screens for you. He is on the small side. Body catches which is always a concern. He is someone that can be productive at FSU. Once again FSU has guys that are young that can do what he does. For his size I would like to see more top end speed from him. FSU has a legit shot at him.
Deamontae Diggs (Coast Carolina) DE-6'5-260 -Big kid who can play inside at tackle or move outside to defensive end. He is a guy who will set the edge for you on the outside. Gives you a pass rush from the outside but more of a guy who is going to help in the run game. Not sure if this kid starts but does provide some depth. Like to see FSU land some elite pass rushers. He is a take but would like to know how FSU will use him.
Marques Watson -Trent-Georgia Southern- 5'11-220 -If you are going to go down to the G5 level take Travion Barnes from FIU. This kid has a weird body. Not saying he is fat but he does not look like a P5 backer. Good against the run. He will come in and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He is not super athletic. Not sure how he fits in FSU scheme. Think Graham has a chance to be a better player. -
Barnes committed to Baylor. I think he is a better player.
Jayson Jenkins - Tennessee - DT - 6'6 280 - He is someone FSU is recruiting. I would have to go back and look at some Tennessee games. He has size. He was scheduled for a visit. That looks shaky now. He is someone that at this time I don’t see ending up at FSU.
Tru Edwards- La Tech- WR-6'2-200- Love his size and after watching him against Army this is the kid you want in the class. He has the size and speed to be a difference maker. You add him to Duce Robinson and I don’t want to say this is Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson but it not that far off. He has very good body control. He catches the ball very well. He is someone that can go across the middle of the field. Edwards is my top remaining target on FSU portal board. They have a shot but FSU does need to get him on campus. at around the 7 minute mark - you don't see it early on but they replayed it and Edwards made a nice, subtle move to get open and it should have been a score. This one comes down to whether or not they can get a visit.
What is different between this years and last? PRODUCTION
Luke Petlbon-OL-6'3-290 - He started 11 games during 2024, started 11 games in 2023. Played in 11 of the 14 games in 2021. He appeared in 6 games in 2020. He has a ton of starts and was very productive. He gives FSU an experienced lineman who has played games against other ACC teams.
Micah Pettus - OL-6'7-350 - Love the guy’s size. FSU needed size and that is exactly what Pettus gives them. He was a quality starter in the SEC. He should really help FSU in the run game.
Adrian Medley - OL-6'5-200 - Another multi-year starter. I like the experience. He played against some big dudes in the Big 12. The transition to the ACC should be smooth.
Gunnar Hansen - OL-6'5-330 - Another multiyear starter. One of the Vandy best OL. He gives you a quality lineman in the run game. Must improve in pass pro. He could play multiple positions at FSU.
I would still like to see FSU invest in a couple more quality offensive lineman. If they can find a couple of smaller school guys who can compete for starting jobs but at least can be productive if they are called upon that would be great. I don't believe FSU is done on the OL in the portal.
The other prospects Caleb Lavelle (UNC-LB), Duce Robinson 23 Receptions - 396 yards (17.2 AVG) 5 TD, Randy Pittman - 32 receptions 416 yards 2 TD, Deante McCray (99 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks). James Williams (14 Tackles, 5.5 Sacks, 5.5 TFL).
The players they are bringing in are productive.
Compare that to 2024
Shawn Murphy -DNP
Cam Riley -Auburn 24 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
Omarion Cooper -DNP
Jacob Rizy - Played final few games.
Richie Leonard-Played at UF
Roydell Williams - Played at Bama but had around 1000 yards rushing in four seasons.
Earl Little (never played at Bama), Jalen Brown (did not play much at LSU), Marvin Jones (backup at UGA), Davonte Brown (benched at Miami and pushed out) Malik Benson (13 catches 162 yards 1 TD) - Most if not all the takes last year were either guys who were benched, did not play or never played at their prior schools. They were takes based on star ratings out of HS. Very little production before and once at FSU. This year the guys who have been takes are legit prospects.
Who is next.....
LB Elijah Herring - I really wish Chandler Martin was the LB that FSU could land. Herring gives you some size at LB. He is not small. He is a kid that can play in space. You like the fact that he can get out into the flats and cover backs and receivers. That is something FSU has had issues with. Herring is 4th in tackles (60), 2nd in TFL (7.5) and 3rd in sacks (3.5) you can bring him on the blitz. I feel confident in saying that Herring being a Nole is likely at this point.
DE Chris Murray - DE-Sam Houston State - Does a great job of using his hands. He gets inside tackles bodies. He has understands leverage. Not a super athlete kid but more of an effort type player. He is violent with his hands. That is important for defensive lineman. I feel he is a good fit for what FSU is going to do in a 3-3-5 defense. He can play with his hand in the ground. I also feel you can stand him up and let him rush the passer. He took a visit or is visiting FSU and they stand a very good shot at landing him. Production is key (35 tackles) which was 7th on his team. He led his team with 5.5 Sacks. He had 11.5 TFL.
Rashul Faison - Utah State -RB - 5'11-200 -I have watched Utah State film. Not sure what to think of Faison. He seems to have poor vision. He runs up on his lineman. He will run hard. He is a productive player but not sure I want him taking reps from some of the other backs. I think he is a kid that can help FSU but do have concerns with him taking reps from the younger backs. Think FSU has a shot but not ready to future cast him to the Seminoles.
Traylon Ray -West Virginia - 28 receptions - 426 yards - Watching his highlights not sure if he is better then what FSU has. Good receiver. Runs decent routes. He has some speed but not a kid I would say is a burner. He has pretty good hands. Will go across the middle. I honestly feel that FSU has some quality young players and I am not sure I am willing to pass on them for Ray. I am skeptical of kids passing on FSU only to come back. He is a take but would not care if they do pass. Local kid who FSU may take. I have him on hold for right now.
Squirrel White- Tennessee - 5'10-170 - 38 catches 381 yards - 2 TD- White has some juice. He is someone that can run the bubble screens for you. He is on the small side. Body catches which is always a concern. He is someone that can be productive at FSU. Once again FSU has guys that are young that can do what he does. For his size I would like to see more top end speed from him. FSU has a legit shot at him.
Deamontae Diggs (Coast Carolina) DE-6'5-260 -Big kid who can play inside at tackle or move outside to defensive end. He is a guy who will set the edge for you on the outside. Gives you a pass rush from the outside but more of a guy who is going to help in the run game. Not sure if this kid starts but does provide some depth. Like to see FSU land some elite pass rushers. He is a take but would like to know how FSU will use him.
Marques Watson -Trent-Georgia Southern- 5'11-220 -If you are going to go down to the G5 level take Travion Barnes from FIU. This kid has a weird body. Not saying he is fat but he does not look like a P5 backer. Good against the run. He will come in and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He is not super athletic. Not sure how he fits in FSU scheme. Think Graham has a chance to be a better player. -
Barnes committed to Baylor. I think he is a better player.
Jayson Jenkins - Tennessee - DT - 6'6 280 - He is someone FSU is recruiting. I would have to go back and look at some Tennessee games. He has size. He was scheduled for a visit. That looks shaky now. He is someone that at this time I don’t see ending up at FSU.
Tru Edwards- La Tech- WR-6'2-200- Love his size and after watching him against Army this is the kid you want in the class. He has the size and speed to be a difference maker. You add him to Duce Robinson and I don’t want to say this is Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson but it not that far off. He has very good body control. He catches the ball very well. He is someone that can go across the middle of the field. Edwards is my top remaining target on FSU portal board. They have a shot but FSU does need to get him on campus. at around the 7 minute mark - you don't see it early on but they replayed it and Edwards made a nice, subtle move to get open and it should have been a score. This one comes down to whether or not they can get a visit.
