Fisher Camp Day 2 Insider: Top 2019 DT hits it off with Haggins

FSU defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins has a long history of being able to lure top defensive tackles to work with him at FSU's summer camps and to sign with the 'Noles.

On Thursday morning, Haggins paid special attention to 2019 five-star Ishmael Sopsher of Louisiana. This was Sopsher's second trip to Tallahassee this year, but it was his first chance to work with Haggins on the field -- and he said it was just what he hoped for.

"He's hard on you and he wants you to be the best," Sopsher said. "I learned how to come off the ball better and some more technique I can use on the field."

While Haggins is known for building very close relationships with his players, the former FSU All-American is also very demanding. Sopsher got to see both sides on Thursday, as Haggins pushed him to compete on a hot day and then spent time encouraging him during a break in the action.

"Coach Odell is a very intense coach, but he loves and cares about his players," Sopsher said. "It was hot out here today. But I thought my pass rush, hand work was very good. Me and Coach Odell had a good talk, and he was just pumping me up because he got me a little out of my comfort zone playing some noseguard."

Sopsher also took a visit to Clemson recently and plans to visit LSU soon. He also wants to come back to Florida State in July.

Sopsher said the FSU camp was a little different than what he experienced at Clemson.

"I worked out at both, but the FSU one was much more intense," he said. "They work you hard here. At Clemson, it was about showing out and making an impression."

According to Sopsher, the main schools that stand out early are LSU, Penn State, Clemson and Florida State. With this being his second visit to Florida State, he was asked what keeps bringing him back to Tallahassee.

"It's a great town, and I really love the people, coaches here," Sopsher said. "It's very relaxing, and it's a more comfortable place to be for me. You feel right at home. Plus, I love Florida because we vacation in Panama City. But with FSU, it's a comfort you feel right way."

Sopsher said he hopes to make a decision by the early signing period of his senior year.