In a much delayed fashion it’s time to close out or review of the 2008 recruiting classes of Florida’s big three programs.  The final team to be analyzed is the Florida State Seminoles.  This is part 3 of a 3 part series.
 
To see our previous analysis go here:  Miami Recruiting review,  Florida Recruiting review
 
Florida State University
Grade C+
 
Overall:  FSU signed 30 athletes, 3 of whom are Junior College Transfers (JUCOs).   Most of the class comes from the state of Florida although 40% of it is from out of state (12).  More players signed were offensive (16) than defensive (12) with two of the class athletes who will probably split (Jarmon Fortson going to WR and Ed Imeokparia starting out at safety).
 
THE GOOD
 
FSU was in dire need at the quarterback position.  Not only is Drew Weatherford now a senior but top backup/part time starter Xavier Lee left school leaving Christian Ponder as the only legitimate backup.  For that reason signing EJ Manuel from Va Beach was significant in both the short and long term.  Manuel will need to come to camp ready to play.  Expect Christian Ponder and Drew Weatherford to battle it out for the starting slot while EJ redshirts. will have the clear experience advantage next season Manuel has a chance to compete for significant playing time and at the very least will be the backup QB by default.  Manuel is a kid in the mold of Jamarcus Russell with both size and a big time arm.
 
The Noles have always been one of the top linebacker (LB) programs in the country sending numerous players to the NFL.  To continue that lineage FSU landed some big time prospects in Nigel Bradham and Nigel Carr with Vince Williams also being a solid prospect down the road.  There is some thought that Nick Moody might eventually outgrow the safety position and end up at LB.  Then again there’s a chance Bradham could grow into a defensive end (DE) although FSU would rather he keep his weight down and remain at LB.  Speaking of DEs, FSU landed a group that should provide a solid contribution.  JUCO Markus White is the jewel of this group but Everett Dawkins could also see playing time next season.  Toshmon Stevens will need a few years as he finished HS in the 200 lb range.
 
THE BAD
 
Seminole fans can all recite the party line for offensive line coach Rick Trickett.  Supposedly there isn’t a coach in the country who can do more with less.  Well if true then Trickett has put himself in the perfect position to prove that mantra.  FSU’s offensive line talent and depth is both lacking and suspect.  Offensive line is a position where more is better.  Since it is one of the hardest positions to predict when recruiting it and is so vital for any offense, linemen can take up a large portion of a roster.  Offensive line recruiting has been identified as one of the key lapses by the coaching staff in recent years.  Trying to reverse that trend Coach Tricket picked up 6 linemen for the 2008 class with Zebrie Sanders being the highest rated prospect in the class. 
 
If that name sounds familiar it is the same Zebrie Sanders that was offered by Georgia and Florida early on and then had his offer revoked by both as the process went on.  A less than stellar senior season and looking overmatched at the UAA All Star Game only served to limit Mr. Sanders options.  After being rebuffed by the Gators, Coach Tricket stepped in and managed to convince Sanders to go to Tallahassee.  After Sanders are a couple of average to above average recruits in Andrew Datko and David Spurlock who will be expected to provide depth whether they are ready or not.  Sanderson, Faircloth and Snider are long term projects.  If FSU can salvage three eventual starters from this group of six he may well be as good as advertised.
 
Jimbo Fisher is trying to attract the kind of playmakers he had at wide receiver (WR) at LSU.  Despite landing AJ Alexander out of Pennsylvania and Corey Surrency a highly regarded JUCO the call for immediate playmakers seems to have gone unanswered.  Jarmon Fortson is a big target with good speed and athleticism.  Avis Commack and Josh Gehres are projects.
 
FSU signed JaBaris Little at tight end (TD).  Little should be a serviceable player but FSU has a shortage at the position and could have used two bodies at this spot.  Given the woes on the offensive line expect the TE to be heavily involved in the blocking schemes to both protect the QB and give room to the backs.  Speaking of running backs, the Noles signed 4 backs this year although only JUCO Tavaras Pressley looks to be able to challenge incumbent Anthone Smith who is both injury prone and inconsistent.  There is talk that fullback (FB) Debrale Smiley will be an academic casualty so expect Carlton Jones to end up at FB.  Jermaine Thomas from Jacksonville could be the wildcard at this position.
 
THE UGLY
 
Terrance Parks is a big time defensive back (DB) who could thrive as a cornerback in Mickey Andrews system should he remain healthy.  After that the pickings get a little slimmer.  Nick Moody is a solid player trying to recover from a shoulder injury.  Losing 4 star Safety CJ Holton to Miami late in the process was a significant blow.  Travis Arnold is rumored to be another possible academic casualty.  Ed Imeokparia will need a few years to develop.  Look for AJ Alexander to possibly get a look at DB should things start looking bleak in practice.
 
The good news is that Bowden landed a quality defensive tackle in Moses McCray.  The Noles also signed a pair of Anthony’s in Hill and McCloud.  While McCray should contribute right away he will not dominate by any means.  DTs usually have a longer development time and neither McCray nor Hill are considered to be elite players at their position.  Expect McCloud to end up at Junior College as another non-qualifier.
 
This is a class that will see significant playing time next season.  Not because they are overly talented or ready to play but because of a slew of academic suspensions for the ongoing academic scandal going on in Tallahassee.  FSU started the recruiting season strong but then bogged down after rumors of NCAA investigations leaked out.  FSU had several high rated players in their sights at the end (TJ Bryant, Jamie Harper, Julio Jones) but couldn’t close the deal, something Bowden and FSU was once famous for.  Despite the adversity they still managed to hold onto a good class but depending on who is affected this class cold be considerably weakened by non-qualifiers (something which has haunted the school in recent classes).