The 2017 football season has begun for Florida State, and that means recruiting has ramped up to another level as well.
Before the Seminoles get too far into the process, our Michael Langston teamed up with several Rivals recruiting analysts to make early picks on where 12 of the Seminoles' top targets might be headed.
These aren't our final predictions, but a look at where we believe things stand at this moment in time. Things certainly can -- and will -- change throughout the fall.
Closer look at 12 key targets for FSU
Mike Farrell thoughts on QB Justin Fields (FSU)
FSU. As I’ve said many times, this is just a hunch. They said it was a business decision, and if it is truly that, I see him picking FSU.
Chad Simmons thoughts on QB Justin Fields (UGA)
This one could go either way, but he was back in Athens with his family recently. And behind the scenes, Georgia has been trending a little more the last month or so based on what I am hearing. This is about as tight of a race as it gets. Fields is talking to commitments, recruits and current players at each school, and he seems to be telling them all similar things, so this could go either way. But if I had to pick a school today, I would go with the in-state school.
Michael Langston thoughts on QB Justin Fields (UGA)
This one is very close. I think FSU is clearly the best fit when you factor in the offense and the coaching he would get from Jimbo Fisher. But from an in-state perspective, there are several things working in Georgia's favor.
Fields has indicated to FSU he wants to take an official visit, but we also hear he would like to get a decision done early. So the key is that Miami-FSU game, and it wouldn't be a shocker if he decided before that game. If he decides before it, I expect the pick to be UGA. But if he makes the FSU-Miami game, it could be a game-changer. The communication has been really good between FSU and the Fields camp, and the 'Noles still are confident in their chances. But that visit is important. There has been a lot of confidence coming from the UGA side after that latest visit.
Finally, while I know some look at the "business decision" quote as being FSU all the way, it also could be a business decision in that Georgia wants to change its offense to better suit Fields. The point is you can read that comment in a number of ways.
If Fields does decide early and picks UGA, don't be surprised if FSU makes a good push for four-star QB Jarren Williams, who we hear is still interested in the 'Noles and FSU would have a good shot to flip. We haven't heard that definitely will happen, but it would make sense.
