Recruiting grades: FSU, UCF big winners
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher should have played the lottery this morning, maybe some golf or hit a poker table. He likely would have won at each stop. It was that kind of day for the Seminoles head coach, who watched his staff wrangle what some recruiting services called the nation’s No. 1-ranked class on National Signing Day 2016. Meanwhile, UCF coaches were just as giddy, Florida coaches didn’t have a lot to complain about, USF also had a big day and Miami just kind of floated by. NSD 2016 is in the books, and here’s howthe state schools graded out:
FSU, A+
By landing five legitimate All-Americans on the National Signing Day, FSU secured one of its biggest recruiting days ever. The Seminoles addressed needs with huge impact-type players in OT Landon Dickerson, DT Shavar Manuel, DE Brian Burns, CB Carlos Becker and LB Dontavious Jackson. Those who thought FSU was in trouble this cyclewere wrong.
Florida, B+
This grade maybe a bit harsh, but losing Shavar Manuel on signing day was a big blow. That said, the Gators already have12 freshmen on campus and this is a legit top-10 national class with the headliners being DE Antonneous Clayton, CB Chauncey Gardner, QB Feleipe Franks, WR Freddie Swain and RB Mark Thompson.
UCF, A+
One local prospect described UCF as being at “rock bottom” earlier in this recruiting cycle, but new coach Scott Frost has cause to celebrate. He showed he’s serious about recruiting Orlando, hit the junior college ranks for big-time defenders and capped the day with nice steal of former Minnesota commit WR Dredrick Snelson.
USF, A Coach
Willie Taggart was on the hot seat, the Bulls were staggering through the start of the season at 1-3 and the future of USF football was bleak last fall. Then the Bulls won seven of their last nine games, Taggart got a boost in administrators’ support and recruits started making commitments. Some think the Bulls class was better than UCF’s haul, but given the circumstances, I think not.
UM, C+
Newc oach Mark Richt at least keep the waters calm in his transition. The Hurricanes lost some commits, but no real bigtimers. Landing WR Ahmmon Richards and keeping WR Sam Bruce was critical, and Miami also has salty defenders like DE Patrick Bethel and LB Shaq Quarterman already enrolled. The ’Canes needed another QB in this class since I’m not sold on Jack Allison, but time will tell.
FAU, B
The Owls had a decent second class under Charlie Partridge, and I really like DT Kevin McCrary and Wekiva LB Leighton McCarthy, the star of the class. People in South Florida will be talking about this kid early and often next year and he will make FAU recruiter Terrance Jamison looks like a genius.
FIU, F
The Panthers continue to plod their way downhill and this year was even worse than usual. When looking at the FIU board of signees, nothing really jumps out except that the third-ranked player among 21 commits is a kicker. Yup, that’s right. Nothing against Miami Booker T. Washington product Jose Borregales, but that’s not a good sign for the rest of the class.