Monday, June 5, 2017

Schools who signed 3 of top 10 players in same cycle (Rivals)

FSU had 3 of the 6


https://n.rivals.com/news/can-clemson-join-noles-trojans-gators-with-historic-recruiting-classes-

With the latest release of the Rivals100, the Clemson Tigers have the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 prospects already committed and are in the mix for a few others in the top 10. Only a few times in Rivals.com history has a program signed three top-10 players in the same cycle. Here is a look back at those special years.

FLORIDA STATE, 2002  

Lorenzo Booker
All-purpose back
5 STARS
St. Bonaventure
Ventura, CA
RR: N/A
Ht: 5'11"
Wt: 178 lbs
Class: 2002
Commitment status:
SIGNED LOI
Florida State
Chris Davis
Athlete
5 STARS
Catholic
St. Petersburg, FL
RR: N/A
Ht: 6'0"
Wt: 170 lbs
Class: 2002
Commitment status:
SIGNED LOI
Florida State
Leon Washington
Cornerback
5 STARS
Andrew Jackson
Jacksonville, FL
RR: N/A
Ht: 5'10"
Wt: 180 lbs
Class: 2002
Commitment status:
SIGNED LOI
Florida State
The first time the Seminoles achieved this impressive feat was also Rivals’ first year on record. Davis enjoyed a productive, yet unspectacular collegiate career, which was followed by a short stint in the NFL. Booker became an important part of the Florida State offense, both in the running and passing game, before spending six seasons in the NFL. Washington proved to be the most successful of the trio. A strong career in Tallahassee was followed by nine seasons in the NFL. When he retired from the league he had the most career kickoff returns for a touchdown with eight, plus the NFL record for most kickoff returns for a touchdown in a game with two. He also rushed for 2,271 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Farrell’s take: Davis is the big surprise as he was a superior athlete and a can’t-miss kid despite transitioning from high school quarterback to a different position. Booker was perhaps over-hyped, especially lacking great size, and Washington could have been an elite cornerback if he wanted to. Washington had the big success of the three at the pro level, but all were a bit disappointing based on ranking and hype coming out of high school.

FLORIDA STATE, 2012

Mario Edwards
Defensive tackle
5 STARS
Ryan
Denton, TX
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 275 lbs
Class: 2012
Eddie Goldman
Defensive tackle
5 STARS
Friendship Collegiate Academy
Washington, DC
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 307 lbs
Class: 2012
Commitment status:
SIGNED LOI
Florida State
Jameis Winston
Dual-threat quarterback
5 STARS
Hueytown
Hueytown, AL
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 200 lbs
Class: 2012
This trio is highlighted by Winston, who dominated in college, became the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and has quickly become one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. Goldman also enjoyed success in Tallahassee, but his NFL career is still a work in progress. After being selected in the second round and having a successful rookie season in Chicago, Goldman struggled due to injuries in 2016. Edwards was also selected in the second round, and as with Goldman, has dealt with his fair share of injuries through his first two seasons. He's totaled 42 tackles and two sacks to this point and has shown a great deal of potential during his time on the field.
Farrell’s take: A freaky defensive end in Edwards, a dominant defensive tackle in Goldman and a franchise quarterback in Winston, this is one of the top trios on this list. While Edwards perhaps didn’t dominate as much as expected (some had him No. 1 overall), he still flashed so much talent that he went near the top of round two. Goldman was a bit more effective, at least to me, at a tougher position, and of course Winston is the only Heisman winner on any list here.

FLORIDA STATE, 2017

Marvin Wilson
Defensive tackle
5 STARS
Episcopal
Houston, TX
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'4"
Wt: 320 lbs
Class: 2017
Cam Akers
Running Back
5 STARS
Clinton
Clinton, MS
RR: 6.1
Ht: 5'11"
Wt: 211 lbs
Class: 2017
Josh Kaindoh
Weakside defensive end
5 STARS
IMG Academy
Bradenton, FL
RR: 6.1
Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 241 lbs
Class: 2017
Not only was 2017 the third time that the Seminoles picked up three top-10 recruits during the Rivals era, it was also the first time that all three were actually rated in the top five. Obviously a great deal will be expected of all three, but look for Akers to have the most immediate impact for the Seminoles. While this was already expected with the void at the running back position after the departure of Dalvin Cook to the NFL, his impressive performance at the spring game only intensified the excitement.
Farrell’s Take: Time will tell on these guys, and pulling Wilson away from LSU was the cherry on the top of this class. Akers already looks like a star, and the way FSU develops defensive linemen Wilson and Kaindoh should do just fine as well.

No comments:

Post a Comment