National Signing Day is Wednesday, Feb. 6, and, this year Seminoles.com is providing our football fans more ways to follow all the official commitments than ever before. Seminoles.com is your headquarters for official signing day coverage with live Twitter, Facebook and web verification of certified national Letter's of Internet, signee video highlights from the film utilized by the FSU coaching staff, recruit rankings and more throughout the day.
Highlights of every signee as their NLI is certified. The video clips will be the same ones used by our coaches to evaluate the prospects.
From 12:15-1:00 we will offer an exclusive Google+/YouTube webcast evaluating the 2013 class up to the minute. Seminoles.com Managing Editor Brandon Mellor joins Ryan Pensy for our third-annual signing day live web show.
At 3:00 p.m. - Live coverage of the official Jimbo Fisher press conference from the Moore Athletic Center. The press conference will be streamed FREE on Seminoles.com.
FSU fans who cannot attend the party in Tallahassee can enjoy the event at one of the Seminole Booster' 20-plus viewing sites across the country. FSU fans can join Seminole friends for a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. (EST) and the show at 7:00 p.m. (EST). For a listing of event locations CLICK HERE!
Make a difference for FSU Athletics, join Seminole Boosters - Click Here.
Facebook & Twitter Updates
Join the more than 203,000 Seminole fans on FSU's official Facebook page for the latest updates on Florida State's 2013 signing class. Updates will also be released throughout the morning via Twitter and Facebook. As soon as an NLI is certified by the FSU compliance office and is official we will release that information via our official Twitter account (@FSU_Football) and it will be identified with #FSUNSD.
Per NCAA rules, the FSU Athletics Department may only announce a signee when the program has received and FSU Athletics Compliance has verified the signee's letter of intent. Signees aren't officially Seminoles until the information is released by Florida State athletics.
Has been a primary target of the Seminoles for a long time...a disruptive interior force, Bryant's initial burst off the line and into the backfield is one of his strengths, but he also shows the ability to play physically at the point of attack as well...helped his Atlantic High team to an 8-3 record, which included a district title and a trip to the FHSAA Class 7A state playoffs...participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl...holds a 4-star ranking from ESPN, Rivals, 247 and Scout sites...had more than a dozen offers from top 25-type programs and initially committed to Miami...chose Florida State over the Hurricanes, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State and USC.
Doak insider Instant Analysis A former Miami commitment, Bryant is next in line in what has turned into a yearly FSU tradition of signing elite defensive tackles. The massive run-stuffer joins a crowded depth chart that features fellow highly-touted signees Jacobbi McDaniel, Timmy Jernigan, Justin Shanks and Eddie Goldman among others but that shouldn't stop him from pushing for playing time as his new position coach, Odell Haggins, loves to rotate bodies and keep the interior of the line fresh. Defensive tackle wasn't a huge position of need this recruiting cycle so Bryant is a nice National Signing Day bonus.
KEITH BRYANT
- ESPN.com
- 247sports.com
- Rivals.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Miami
South Carolina
Florida
E.J. LEVENBERRY
LB | 6-3 | 230 | Woodbridge, VA | C.D. Hylton HS
Was a force during his senior season, registering 172 tackles (129 solo, 23 for loss), 14 deflections and 24 quarterback hurries as the Bulldogs posted a 10-3 record and reached the Virginia Group AAA Division 6 state semifinals...Levenberry registered 20 tackles, including 15 solo stops in his final game for the Bulldogs...C.D. Hylton was 21-4 over the course of Levenberry's two seasons as a star linebacker...a two-time Washington Post All-Met selection...physical and explosive player who has outstanding football instincts...holds a 5-star rating from PrepStar and 4-star rankings from ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247...consensus top 12 linebacker in the nation among recruiting sites...participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl...played his first two seasons of high school football at perennial Washington, D.C. area power DeMatha Catholic...held offers from 20 major programs, ultimately choosing FSU over Tennessee, Alabama and Oklahoma.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Levenberry gave his verbal pledge to the Seminoles way back in April of 2012 and despite pressure from some big-time programs remained true to his word. A versatile linebacker that is capable of playing inside or outside, Levenberry boasts game-ready size that he'll need to take on and shed opposing blockers coming his way in college. Linebacker was a huge recruiting need for the 'Noles this year and Levenberry's addition gives them another playmaker that can be added to the rotation and increases the level of competition among returners and newcomers.
Starred at St. Petersburg Catholic , where he played a variety of positions but primarily flourished at running back...many scouting services have Green rated as an "athlete" or all-purpose back...participated in the Under Armour All-American Bowl after missing much of his senior season with a shoulder injury...rushed for 1,069 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior for St. Pete Catholic, where he also added 11 receptions for 143 yards and a score...also recorded 57 tackles and a pair of interceptions on defense...holds 4-star rankings from ESPN, PrepStar, Rivals, 247 and Scout sites...exceptionally fast and quick, with outstanding vision, Green has been timed consistently in the 4.4 range for 40 yards...committed to the Seminoles in June of 2012...ranked among top 50 players overall nationally...prized recruit who claimed offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Devonta Freeman and James Wilder, Jr. are the only returning tailbacks on the 2013 roster with any experience with Mario Pender coming off a redshirt rookie season, so signing at least one elite true running back was important for FSU coach Jimbo Fisher. Pender is one of the country's best all-around runners, capable of toting the football through the tackles or using his speed to get to the outside. In the open field he has nice "wiggle" with an ability to make defenders miss. Green committed publicly to the Seminoles last June and stayed firm in that pledge through his senior year.
RYAN GREEN
- ESPN.com
- Rivals.com
- Scout.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Auburn
Alabama
Florida
IRA DENSON
OG | 6-4 | 317 | Madison, FL | Madison County HS
Florida State continued to mine the talent-rich Cowboys' program, landing Denson who was a two-way star on the line but is tabbed to play on the offensive line for the Seminoles...a late-bloomer on the recruiting scene, he is universally considered one of the top 10 offensive guard prospects in the nation...he helped lead the Cowboys to a 12-2 record as a senior and a trip to the FHSAA 3A state championship game...has earned 4-star rankings from ESPN, Rivals, PrepStar and Scout... participated in the Under Armour All-American Bowl...committed to the `Noles in May and stayed true to his word, despite the pursuit and offers from Miami, Ole Miss, South Florida, Nebraska, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee, among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis An elite prospect at guard because of his road-grading ability, strength and Division I size, Denson fills a huge need for the 'Noles on the interior of the offensive line moving forward. With upperclassmen starters at guard, Denson will be an important piece for offensive line coach Rick Trickett moving forward as an eventual replacement for Josue Matias or Tre' Jackson, who, like Denson, are known for their tremendous upper body strength at athletic ability. Denson is an another in a long line of prospects from FSU pipeline Madison County High School.
Outstanding athlete who starred as a run-pass quarterback at South Plantation and will get a chance to play that position with the Seminoles...was also recruited by a number of programs as a cornerback ... led South Plantation to a 9-2 record, including a trip to the FHSAA 8A state playoffs...blessed with outstanding speed, having been timed at 4.38 in the 40, which is backed up by his fifth-place finish at the 4A state track & field championship in the 200... holds a 3-star ranking from ESPN, Rivals, 247, Scout and PrepStar...outstanding student-athlete who had offers from both Air Force and Navy...selected Florida State over Tennessee.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Franklin is one of those special athletes that is recruited in large part because they can fit into multiple positions on the roster because of their athleticism and natural ability on the football field. A standout dual-threat quarterback at Plantation High School, Franklin will get the opportunity at FSU to line up under center alongside Jameis Winston, Jacob Coker, Clint Trickett and Sean Maguire but there's also the possibility that he could see time at wide receiver or in the defensive backfield. The 6-foot-1, 171-pound athlete publicly committed to the Seminoles Nov. 1.
JOHN FRANKLIN III
- Rivals.com
- ESPN.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Air Force
Navy
Tennessee
JESUS WILSON
WR | 6-1 | Miami, FL | Christopher Columbus HS
A four star prospect according to ESPN...received three stars from Rivals, Scout and 247Sports...another South Florida player who has committed to the Seminoles since Jimbo Fisher took over the program...scouting services are mixed on where to peg Wilson among receivers with ratings ranging from No. 23 to No. 148...Rivals lists Wilson as the 23rd-best athlete while he is at No. 56 on the 247Sports list as a WR, No. 62 on ESPN's rankings and No. 148 according to Scout, both listing him as a receiver as well...combined to score 10 TDs as a senior...seven came on receptions and three on the ground...hauled in 26 passes for 524 yards...described as lightning quick, diminutive and tough by ESPN scouts...expected to play in the slot at FSU...chose the Seminoles over Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Ole Miss, USF and UCF among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Wilson is a new speedy weapon for FSU wide receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey that can be used in various formations whether he's outside or in the slot. Wilson's addition gives the Seminoles yet another play-making option on offense. He also provides added depth for a squad that has four scholarship seniors at the position entering the 2013 campaign. Wilson excels in open space and could be a real threat running end-arounds or catching screen passes. He also could be a factor in the competition for kick- and punt-return duties.
JESUS WILSON
- ESPN.com
- Rivals.com
- 247sports.com
- Scout.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Hawaii
Louisville
Marshall
ISAIAH JONES
WR | 6-4 | 210 | Milton, FL | Milton HS
Consensus four-star prospect...ESPN 300 selection (160)...Rivals 250 member (No. 227)...PrepStar Top 300 All-American...invited to "The Opening" on the Nike campus...participated in the Rivals 100 Five Star Challenge where Mike Farrell noted Jones is closer to a national top 150 prospect who could be a top-10 talent at the receiver position...regarded as one of the top 35 receivers in the 2013 class by ESPN (No. 18), 247Sports (No. 33), Rivals (No. 28) and Scout (No. 34)...one of the top 40 players in Florida according to Rivals (26), ESPN (32) and 247Sports (37)...according to ESPN few of the big receivers in the 2013 class can run like Jones, he is powerful, makes catches in traffic and he will simply take balls away from defenders...clocked between 4.5-4.69 in the 40-yard dash...32-inch vertical...99.33 SPARQ Rating...chose FSU over Auburn, Arkansas, Clemson, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee and Louisville among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Florida State is now without 6-foot-6 wide receiver Rodney Smith after he caught a pass in a school-record 39 consecutive games but FSU gets to replace him with another lanky, tough-to-defend pass catcher in Jones. The Milton, Fla. native can now be paired with 6-foot-5 redshirt sophomore Kelvin Benjamin to form a tall duo of receivers capable of creating mismatches on the outside. Jones is deceptively quick for his size, Jones could be a nice safety valve for FSU's new quarterback this fall as someone that can make catches in traffic with his strong hands and long wing span.
ISAIAH JONES
- Rivals.com
- Scout.com
- ESPN.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Auburn
Arkansas
Clemson
NATE ANDREWS
DB | 6-0 | 195 | Fairhope, AL | Fairhope HS
Versatile athlete who played receiver as a sophomore and junior and quarterback as a senior; also played in the defensive backfield where some schools were projecting him to play...as a junior in 2011 had 876 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions......holds 3-star rankings from ESPN, Rivals, 247 and Scout sites...FSU was the first school to extend Andrews an offer...he committed to the Seminoles in late January...competed in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game...originally committed to Minnesota, which intended to play Andrews in the secondary...chose Florida State from a list of scholarship offers that included Alabama, Louisville, Ole Miss and Tennessee, among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis A former verbal commitment to Minnesota, Andrews made the switch to the Seminoles in late January because of his relationship with new FSU defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who had been recruiting him when he was the defensive backs coach at Alabama. Andrews played a bunch of positions in high school but he likely projects as a safety in Tallahassee where he'll use his strong frame and speed to make plays in the back end of the secondary where FSU has a lot of inexperience behind veterans Lamarcus Joyner, Terrence Brooks and Karlos Williams.
NATE ANDREWS
- ESPN
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Minnesota
Alabama
Lousiville
JALEN RAMSEY
ATH | 6-0 | Brentwood, TN | Brentwood HS
Ranked as one of the top athletes in the nation at either wide receiver or corner...rated a five star prospect by both Rivals and Scout and a four-star recruit according to ESPN and 247Sports...US Army All-American....invited to "The Opening" on the Nike campus...ranked No. 10 on the Rivals 100, No. 14 on the ESPN 150 and No. 39 on the Top247...consensus top 5 selection at CB...listed No. 2 by Scout, No. 3 by Rivals, No. 4 by ESPN and No. 5 by 247Sports...the consensus top recruit coming out of Tennessee in 2013...sat out his sophomore season due to transfer rules but put up big numbers on offense and defense in 2011 and 2012...registered 95 tackles, four TFL, three INT, 10 PBU, two fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles...in 2012 he hauled in 31 passes for 676 yards and nine TDs...also rushed five times for 85 yards...ESPN lists Ramsey with a 4.54 time in the 40, a 40.9-inch vertical and a 130.32 SPARQ rating...committed to USC but chose FSU over the Trojans, Florida, Alabama, Oregon, Miami and more than 20 other schools.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Arguably the crown jewel of FSU's 2013 signing class, Ramsey is an elite cornerback prospect with terrific size for the position. Ramsey is athletic enough that he could line up at wide receiver if he wanted to but should flourish under the tutelage of Jeremy Pruitt, who was instrumental in getting the Brentwood, Tenn. to flip from his longtime verbal commitment to USC in time to sign his National Letter of Intent for FSU. Ramsey is known around the country as a lockdown defensive back with tremendous length, range and playmaking ability and should push for immediate playing time at FSU.
JALEN RAMSEY
- Rivals.com
- Scout.com
- ESPN.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
USC
Florida
Washington
DAVAREZ BRYANT
DE | 6-4 | 240 | New Smyrna Beach, FL | New Smyrna Beach HS
Under the radar prospect who was a target of UCF, USF, Cincinnati and Louisiana Lafayette before receiving interest and offers from programs like Alabama, Florida State, Kentucky and Purdue among others...highest star rating is three from both ESPN and 247Sports...first year of playing football came as a senior and he is being recruited on his raw tools and potential to continue to develop...put up impressive numbers in his only high school season posting 35 tackles, 10 TFL and four sacks...played high school basketball before switching to football...attended a different high school every year since he was a freshman...eventually chose Florida State over Iowa State.
LB | 6-3 | 205 | Miami, FL | Booker T. Washington HS
One of the most sought after prospects in the entire nation in 2013...a consensus five-star recruit who is also a consensus top 15 national prospect...ESPN has Thomas No. 6 in the ESPN150, he is 14th in the Top247 and 15th in the Rivals 100... US Army All-American...invited to "The Opening" on the Nike campus and Gridiron Kings...rated the fourth-best player in Florida by Rivals, 247Sports and Rivals...ESPN has Thomas listed as the No. 1 OLB prospect in the nation this year, Scout and Rivals list him at No. 2 and 247Sports has him at No. 3...registered 102 tackles and 13 sacks in 2011...numbers dropped to 53 tackles and seven sacks during the regular season as a senior as his Booker T. Washington beat opponents by an average of nearly 42 points and starters played less throughout the regular season...won a state championship playing both LB and DE as Booker T. Washington defeated Bolles and Thomas registered nine solo tackles...named first team All-Dade...ESPN clocked him at 4.59 in the 30 with a 35.6-inch vertical and a SPARQ rating of 114.36...Thomas' mother is a native of the Republic of Suriname, a small South American Country bordered on its north side by the Atlantic Ocean...chose FSU over Miami, Alabama, USC, Georgia, Florida and more than 20 other offers.
Doak insider Instant Analysis An elite linebacker with a similar body to FSU star Christian Jones, Thomas was a big get for the Seminoles out of talent-rich Miami. Thomas has stellar sideline-to-sideline playmaking skills at the linebacker position and the strength and size capable of stopping the run. At FSU, he'll be added to a depth chart that isn't overly deep but has a lot of talent. Thomas was primarily recruited by James Coley but that didn't stop him from choosing the Seminoles when FSU's former offensive coordinator left for the same position at Miami last month.
MATTHEW THOMAS
- Rivals.com
- Scout.com
- ESPN.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Miami
USC
Alabama
WILSON BELL
OL | 6-4 | 296 | Prichard, AL | Blount HS
Another key, need-based recruit from the state of Alabama who will help build depth on the offensive line...strength and physicality are said to be his greatest assets, but is also extremely agile for his size...helped Blount reach the Alabama 6A state playoffs as a senior...played in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game...ranked as a 3-star prospect by ESPN, Rivals, 247 and Scout...chose Florida State over Auburn and Ole Miss after originally committing to UCF.
Doak insider Instant Analysis One of FSU's biggest signing-day needs in 2013 was bringing in a handful of offensive linemen to provide depth and build for the future -- specifically at offensive tackle, where the 'Noles have a starting job up for grabs on the right side and not much depth. Bell's addition means that the competition at right side ramps up even more with returners Bobby Hart and Garrett Faircloth are the only returning players at that position with any starting experience. Bell has got a nasty streak (seriously, take a look at his highlight reel) -- a coveted trait by offensive line coach Rick Trickett.
WILSON BELL
- ESPN.com
- Rivals.com
- Scout.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Auburn
Ole Miss
UCF
DESMOND HOLLIN
DE| 6-4 | 260 | Brooklyn, NY | ASA College / Miami Southridge
Three-star recruit who comes to FSU from ASA College via Southridge High School in Miami...hopes to find similar success at FSU as previous junior college defensive ends Markus White and Tank Carradine...247Sports ranks him as the 15th-best prospect at the SDE position and a top 150 JUCO player....originally committed to New Mexico out of high school...racked up 37 tackles, 17.5 TFL, 8.5 sacks, an interception, forced fumble, fumble recovery and defensive TD off his interception at ASA College in 2012...was a first team All-Dade selection in high school as he lead the county with 21 sacks...chose FSU over Kansas and Kentucky among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Hollin has some big shoes to fill after Markus White and Tank Carradine turned successful junior-college careers into productive, NFL-bound stints at Florida State. Hollin's addition is critical for the 'Noles, as FSU lacks much depth at the defensive end position. Hollin is physically and mentally mature enough to step right in and compete for a starting position the moment he steps foot on campus this summer. Before Hollin's arrival, redshirt sophomore Giorgio Newberry will be the elder statesmen among defensive ends on the roster.
DESMOND HOLLIN
- Rivals.com
- Scout.com
- ESPN.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Kansas
Kentucky
Marshall
RO'DERRICK HOSKINS
LB| 6-3 | 215 | Orlando, FL | Evans HS
ESPN four-star recruit and member of the ESPN300 (No. 168)...three-star recruit according to Rivals, 247Sports and Scout.com...selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Game...played in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Houston, TX...made a key fourth quarter interception in the All-American game...ranked 14th at his position by ESPN, No. 36 by Rivals and No. 60 by 247Sports...ESPN lists Hoskins as the state's 35th-best prospect while MaxPreps lists him at No. 68, Rivals at No. 80 and Scout.com at No. 104...PrepStar All-Southeast Region...No. 8 on the Orlando Sentinel's 2013 Central Florida Super 60, ahead of highly recruited high school teammate Tony Stevens...BHSN No. 10 player in central Florida...No. 79 in the Southeast according to ESPN...two-way player who played linebacker and receiver at Evans but will play defense for FSU despite given the opportunity to play both positions with the Seminoles...chose FSU over Louisville and Auburn.
Doak insider Instant Analysis The first player to verbally commit to Florida State for the 2013 class after making his intentions public on Jan. 11, 2012, Hoskins is an athletic linebacker with good enough speed that allowed him to play wide receiver in high school. Hoskins fills an important need at outside linebacker for the Seminoles as he will be added to a depth chart that is replacing starter Nick Moody. Hoskins is versatile enough and has a large enough frame that he could also be a factor at middle linebacker as well.
RO'DERRICK HOSKINS
- ESPN.com
- 247sports.com
- Rivals.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Louisville
Auburn
RYAN HOEFELD
C | 6-3 | 265 | New Orleans, LA | Brother Martin HS
A physically mature player who is a natural center, where he played for Brother Martin in New Orleans, La....is said to excel in run blocking and plays with great intensity...holds a 3-star ranking from ESPN, Rivals, 247, Scout and PrepStar...widely considered among the top 10 center prospects nationally...camped at Florida State in summer of 2012 and connected with the coaching staff right away...chose the Seminoles over Arizona and TCU, among other offers.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Bryan Stork is a redshirt senior and Austin Barron is now a junior so bringing in a true center like Hoefield sets the 'Noles up nicely for the future. Hoefield fits the Rick Trickett type of mold for centers as the FSU offensive line coach likes them to be athletic, nimble and smart. Hoefield's signing also means that overall depth on the offensive line is increased after the Seminoles lost both Menelik Watson and Daniel Glauser this off-season. Hoefield has been verbally committed to Florida State since last July.
RYAN HOEFELD
- ESPN.com
- Rivals.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Arizona
Marshall
TCU
JEREMY KERR
TE | 6-6 | 254 | St. Petersburg, FL | St. Petersburg HS
A tight end by trade at St. Petersburg High, Kerr was an outstanding blocker on the edge for his school's Wing-T offensive attack...has an impressive frame...was recruited by some schools with the idea of a move to the offensive line...holds a 3-star ranking from Scout and PrepStar...selected the Seminoles after originally committing to Miami...also held offers from Connecticut, Memphis and Purdue.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Because he is such a fantastic blocker and has offensive lineman-like size, Kerr could eventually find himself playing for Rick Trickett at Florida State. But Kerr comes to Tallahassee as a tight end with a frame and strength that makes him the purest all-around blocker among tight ends on the roster. Nick O'Leary, Kevin Haplea, Will TyeDan Hicks and Christo Kourtzidis are considered more so be pass-catchers first and blockers second, so Kerr's addition gives new position coach Billy Napier an extra weapon in his arsenal.
JEREMY KERR
- Scout.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Miami
UConn
Purdue
MARQUEZ WHITE
CB | 6-1 | 175 | Dothan, AL | Northview HS
Member of the ESPN 300 (No. 158)...PrepStar Top 300 All-American...a four-star recruit according to Rivals and 247Sports...named a top 15 recruit in the state of Alabama according to ESPN (No. 7), 247Sports (No. 13) and AL.com (No. 14)...rated the nation's fourth-best corner by PrepStar, the 17th-best corner by ESPN, No. 28 by Rivals and No. 44 by Scout.com...247Sports lists White as the nation's No. 19 athlete...Rivals lists White as the 10th-best player in Alabama...selected to participate in the 2012 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic...led the Alabama team in tackles in the All-Star Classic...clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash...recorded 39 tackles, three interceptions, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and broke up nine passes as a senior...scored four touchdowns via receptions and returns...averaged 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game for the Northview basketball team...committed to the Seminoles on Christmas Eve over offers from Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn and Minnesota among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis A standout cornerback with a great, long frame, White committed to Florida State last May but was still recruited heavily during his senior season by in-state Alabama. It's always difficult to pluck prospects out of Alabama and then hang on to them but helping FSU in this battle against the Crimson Tide was Jeremy Pruitt, who joined the staff as the new defensive coordinator after coaching defensive backs (and serving as White's primary recruiter) at Alabama. White is a prototypical defensive back, one that Pruitt has helped turned into NFL Draft picks the last few years.
The Seminoles keep a productive pipeline to Jacksonville's First Coast open and flowing with the signing of Lyons...a versatile athlete, he played both safety and outside linebacker for the Buccaneers, but is being projected at linebacker at FSU where he rejoins friend and former teammate Reggie Northrup...said to have very strong coverage skills and a keen eye for reading and reacting to plays...also a sure tackler... registered 92 tackles, including nine tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions as a senior...holds a 4-star ranking from ESPN and Scout and is a 3-star prospect according to Rivals and PrepStar...earned second-team 7A All-State honors at linebacker as a senior...was selected to the All-First Coast team by the Florida Times-Union... selected the Seminoles over offers from Clemson, Miami, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Ohio State and South Carolina, among others.
Doak insider Instant Analysis The fact that Lyons could potentially play safety at the collegiate level bodes well for the 'Noles because of his versatility and playmaking skills. A projected linebacker in Tallahassee, Lyons' addition immediately bolsters the depth chart where Florida State has just six scholarship players on the roster entering spring practice. Lyons was the second player to commit to the Seminoles for the 2013 class, giving his verbal pledge to FSU way back pin Feb. 25 of 2012. FSU has now signed at least one player from First Coast High School four out of the last six recruiting cycles.
TYRELL LYONS
- ESPN.com
- Rivals.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Clemson
Miami
North Carolina
LEVONTE WHITFIELD
WR | 5-9 | 176 | Orlando, FL | Jones HS
One of the fastest high school players in the nation, Whitfield has run a 4.37 40-yard dash, which is the fastest recorded among 2013 class athletes in the ESPN database...explosive player on the edge who easily separates from defenders...also excelled as a return specialist at Orlando Jones...caught 38 passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns as a senior, helping Jones reach the second round of the 4A state football playoffs in 2012...holds a 4-star ranking from ESPN, Rivals and 247 and a 3-star mark from Scout and PrepStar...he is the cousin of current FSU freshman WR Marvin Bracy, who also runs track for the `Noles...like Bracy, will also double up and run track for the Seminoles...Whitfield is the reigning Florida 3A state champion in the 100 and 200 and has a personal-best 100 time of 10.21...he also won the adidas Dream 100 race in New York last summer against the nation's top high school sprinters...committed to FSU in August 2012 and stayed firm, despite offers from Florida, Clemson, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M, South Carolina and West Virginia.
Doak insider Instant Analysis Also known as "Kermit," it could be argued that Whitfield is the fastest 2013 prospect in the entire country. A year after signing the undisputed fastest prospect in the 2012 class (his cousin, Marvin Bracy), Whitfield gives the Seminoles yet another track star at the wide receiver position. The idea of Bracy and Whitfield on the field at the same time -- whether it's at receiver or in the return game -- is downright terrifying for opposing defensive coordinators. Whitfield is the type of speedy talent that could be a factor in multiple scenarios on offense, just get him the football.
LEVONTE WHITFIELD
- ESPN.com
- Rivals.com
- 247sports.com
Signed Letter of Intent
Selected Florida State Over:
Florida
Texas A&M
South Carolina
FREDDIE STEVENSON
LB | 6-1 | 230 | Bartow, FL | Bartow HS
Enrolled at FSU in January and will take part in spring practice...attended Bartow High, the same school that produced long-time Seminole assistant coach Odell Haggins...a sure tackler who reportedly excels in run support both inside and outside...earned a 4-star ranking from PrepStar, Rivals and 247...Stevenson led Bartow with 83 tackles as a senior, including six tackles for loss, four of which were sacks...chose the Seminoles from a fine list of offers including Penn State, Louisville, Texas A&M and West Virginia...a strong student who also had offers from Duke and Vanderbilt.
Consensus 4-star recruit who was committed to Alabama before enrolling at Florida State in the spring of 2013...US Army All-American...invited to "The Opening" on the Nike campus...247Sports 38th-ranked player in the nation...member of the ESPN 150 (No. 40)...Rivals 100 member (No. 57)...PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team (No. 38)...ranked as one of the top five defensive tackle prospects in the nation by Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports...Scout.com lists Walker as the No. 7 defensive tackle in the 2013 class and PrepStar has him one spot higher at No. 6...listed as the sixth-best player in Florida by Rivals, the eight-best by 247Sports and the 11th-best by ESPN...Florida Times-Union Super 11 and Super 24 selection...second-team AP All-State in 2012...named AP All-State first team in 2011 and first team all-area by the Florida Times-Union after registering 14 sacks and 24 TFL as a junior...has a vertical of 31 inches and a 40 time of 5.04 according to Rivals...chose FSU over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Miami and USC among others.
A former standout offensive lineman at powerful H.B. Plant High School in Tampa, Fla., Klepal projected as either a guard of offensive tackle at Florida State before his playing career was cut short early his senior year in 2012...despite being advised by doctors not to play football anymore after multiple concussions, still had his scholarship honored by FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher and is a medical disqualification on the roster...enrolled at FSU in January along with linebacker Freddie Stevenson and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker...served as captain of the Plant football team.
Signed Letter of Intent
Michigan
Tennessee
Oklahoma
Alabama
Minnesota
UCF
TCU
UConn
Penn State
Texas A&M
