Florida State's Jimbo Fisher has built an NFL pipeline in Tallahassee

Florida State's Jimbo Fisher has built an NFL pipeline in Tallahassee

"Jimbo Fisher looked out on the Dunlap Athletic Training Facility, surveying both what he had created -- and lost.
The circus that was the Jameis Winston-fueled pro day was packing up. Twenty-nine other Seminoles had a chance to preen before scouts. Like a high-end auction, if you didn't come away with what you wanted there were plenty of other items to choose from.
That's the beauty of Fisher's first five seasons. The pipeline is being restocked before it's emptied.
"We're not done with these young men until they go through their pro days," Florida State's coach said late last month. "[We're] never done with them. They're part of our family.
"If we have 10 drafted, we tie the record. If we have 11, we break the record for three-year period. To me that's a culmination of what we're trying to do."
Record? What record? It's not just the games or recruiting or spring practice or the fall at Fisher's FSU, it's also the draft now. The NFL's annual meat market summit that starts later this month will likely elevate the program to a new level.
This well-researched report suggests FSU's coach is on the brink of a talent-rich milestone.
Fisher has had 18 total players drafted over the past two seasons. With 11 more this year -- not an outrageous projection -- the Noles would beat out Miami (2002-04) and USC (2008-10) for most draftees in a three-year period (29). The Canes and Trojans had 28.
Why do we not think of Florida State today, the way we did Miami and USC then? It may that this dynasty is just getting started. Have we forgotten the Noles are one game removed from a 29-game winning streak?
Have we forgotten that Fisher is just getting started? The College Football Playoff semifinalist that lost Winston, its top receiver (Rashad Greene) and No. 2 rusher (Karlos Williams) also has a veteran defense returning infused with a top-five recruiting class.
In those five seasons Fisher has won one national championship, three ACC titles and 58 total games. The only comparison to be made is to the guy he replaced. Bobby Bowden was 44-14 in his first five seasons at FSU with a Tangerine Bowl win (as well as two Orange Bowl losses).
"They've capitalized and expanded upon the success," said Rob Rang, CBSSports.com draft expert. "Not many say that after following a legend. FSU deserves some credit how they built and kept it going on lot of the same principles."
There's an old saying in coaching: Never be the guy to follow the guy. Almost 4 ½ years after Bowden exited with a 13-point win over West Virginia in the Gator Bowl, Fisher is the man. Less a Nick Saban protégé, more a distinct flavor.
Fisher recently admitted NFL teams have reached out to gauge his interest. Never say never, he said diplomatically, but how could Fisher be any happier?
His team plays in a conference it can dominate, looking more like an SEC than ACC power. His program is one of the most pro-friendly in existence. It caters to recruits' most basic desires, winning championships and getting players to the NFL, quickly. As the projected No. 1 pick, Winston has less than two seasons' experience as a starter.
It doesn't matter in the minds of most here. He's ready. At least on the field.
"I never saw that stuff, whether it was immaturity I don't know," said longtime Fisher associate, Trevor Moawad, Winston's mental conditioning coach. "My interaction was on the field, the night before games, between the lines. We try to edutain - half educate, half entertainment."
The program is back. This is not exactly news but watching it happen reminds us of the degree of difficulty.
Less than a year removed from NCAA probation, USC played a game last year with 44 scholarship players. Penn State is still digging out from Sandusky hell. Oklahoma and Texas have taken dips. All FSU did was transition from the second-winningest all-time coach - we can argue about vacated wins later -- to someone who is establishing his own legacy.
The current record for FSU draftees in a three-year span is 22. It took Bowden 30 years to get to that point (2004-2006). Fisher matched that number in his fifth season.
"[Our players] go to the NFL with a system that still wins games," he said.
This year's 11 potential FSU draft picks have yet to be judged. Miami's three-year run included 15 first-rounders. USC had seven. Those were legendary teams. Miami had a 34-game winning streak stopped in 2002. Pete Carroll's last three USC teams produced two Rose Bowls and almost 30 draftees.
FSU has four combined first-rounders the last two years, five total under Fisher. This year we're talking up to five first-round picks, including Jameis. That includes defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. who appears to be killing it.
If the biggest raps on Fisher have been his vigorous defense of the misbehaving Winston and [lack of] victory margin last season, bring it on.
"You talk about Kentucky basketball and the ability to win the close ones," Moawad said. "but nobody viewed that positively as it related to FSU which I thought was fascinating. It was like it was a negative."
That was evident when the College Football Playoff Selection Committee dropped the nation's only undefeated team to No. 4 late in the season.
As for those draft classes they are best judged like wine, cheese and Justin Bieber's career. It's wise to let things age a bit. For now, Florida State is back on top. The brand is renewed.
If Jameis never wins a championship as a pro - or something worse -- he and his coach will have participated in an reawakening.
The circus has just started."