BIG MAN COMMITMENT: 4-Star OL Roderick Kearney picks FSU Football
With all eyes on eight official visitors in Tallahassee, Florida State's first commitment of the weekend came from two-and-a-half hours east of campus.
Four-star offensive linemen Roderick Kearney (Orange Park HS) announced his commitment to Florida State Sunday afternoon, continuing a recent run of momentum for head coach Mike Norvell and staff.
"Every time I stepped on campus it felt like home," Kearney told Warchant on Sunday. "It always felt real to me in every way."
Kearney originally announced his commitment on Twitter:
Kearney shared the response from FSU offensive line coach Alex Atkins to him jumping on board.
"It's go time was the reaction," Kearney said. "He was excited."
Atkins is far from the only reason Kearney picked Florida State. Head coach Mike Norvell's straightforward approach was a key to sealing the deal.
"Coach Norvell is a real genuine dude," Kearney explained. "He's not going to sugarcoat or tell you what you want to hear. If everyone was told what they want to hear it would not be good. When there are facts he is going to tell you facts... I want to work. That is how it's going to be."
---
Stay connected to all of your favorite FSU Sports Coverage!
*** Get the FREE Warchant App in the Apple Store or on Google Play
*** Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for fresh new videos every day
*** Sign up for our exclusive Newsletter to never miss important FSU news
Kearney's versatility will be an asset to Florida State, as he can play all three positions on the line. The new FSU commitment says it's most likely that he ends up playing in the middle.
"I can play everything, but it's mostly center," Kearney said. "They like me a lot at center. They really like my athleticism, and my footwork and how I can get to the next level."
Finally, there is a lot of buzz and excitement around recruits about the vision and where the Noles are going. We heard that often around recruits this weekend for the official visits. Kearney chimed in his thoughts on where the Noles are going?
"I feel like we are still building. They are doing a great job at breaking down players and developing the players. Overall I feel great about the direction we are going with the program, "said Kearney.
ANALYSIS: Michael Langston's thread on the Warchant Premium Recruiting Board
Prior to Sunday's commitment, Florida State has been Kearney's leader for some time. Last week Kearney made a surprise visit to Tallahassee, stopping in during a camp, and stayed for two days.
"It was great," Kearney said. "It was not really tainted and I got to see how everything goes and what I am going to be doing when I get there. That was a big deal to me to get it all direct and straight about how things are."
Kearney is close friends with fellow Duval native and defensive tackle Jordan Hall. The two have talked when Kearney committed. "Big Rod" is letting Hall make his own decision, but the two talked Sunday.
"He knows about it. I'm sure everyone knows about it," said Kearney.
The 6-foot-4, 300 pound offensive line prospect chose the Seminoles over contenders Florida, Clemson, and Arkansas among others.
Don't miss out on our exclusive podcasts! Subscribe Today!
*** Wake Up Warchant -- Apple | Google
*** Seminole Headlines -- Apple | Google
*** The Jeff Cameron Show -- Apple | Google
Or just search for "Warchant" on your favorite podcast provider.
-------------------------------------------------------
Get the latest info, insider content and chat with FSU fans on the Premium Recruiting Board