Florida State's highly anticipated Dec. 13 recruiting weekend is upon us, and it goes without saying that it will be one of the most important weekends for the Seminoles' football program in quite some time.
Less than a week after being introduced as FSU's head coach, Mike Norvell will be hosting more than a dozen official visitors with the goal of either shoring up previous commitments or convincing uncommitted prospects to jump on board. The early signing period begins next Wednesday, Dec. 18.
** LIVE UPDATES: FSU's biggest recruiting visit weekend of the year **
Here is a complete look at the expected visitors and what the Seminoles will hope to accomplish.
CYBER MONDAY EXTENDED ** Get 50% off a new Warchant subscription **
OFFICIAL VISITORS THIS WEEKEND (18)
The Skinny on QB Chubba Purdy; What to watch for on visit
The biggest news came late Thursday when Warchant.com learned that four-star quarterback Chubba Purdy was offered by the Noles and will indeed take an official visit to FSU. We have also confirmed that he plans to sign his LOI in the early signing period. Purdy has a previous connection with both FSU offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham and head coach Mike Norvell. This is interesting to take a visit now and we have to believe that if FSU can make Purdy feel right at home there's a chance for a flip here based on the relationships Purdy has with Florida State. Obviously there's a lot to watch for like if Purdy feels the fit to FSU and if the comfort is enough to take overtake the Cardinals.
The Skinny on Rodemaker; What to watch for on visit
While he is technically still committed to South Florida, we do not expect Rodemaker to stick with the Bulls. FSU made a major surge this week, and this one is trending well for the Seminoles from everything we hear. It's closer to home, it fits the climate he desires, and if he clicks with Norvell and the staff, there's a good chance he will be the 'Noles' first QB commit of the 2020 class. He still could take that Baylor visit on Sunday, but FSU will have a great shot of beating out the Bears and Pittsburgh, assuming Rodemaker likes what he sees this weekend.
The Skinny on Toafili; What to watch for on visit
Toafili has been very solid in his commitment to Florida State, so this visit will be about building a connection with new OC Kenny Dillingham and Norvell. The main things covered likely will be the way he's going to be utilized in this offense. Toafili likely will have questions about who the next running backs coach at FSU will be, so there might be some clarity over the weekend on that topic. But unless anything goes wrong, we expect Toafili to stay solid with the 'Noles.
The Skinny on Dougas; What to watch for on visit
Douglas has long been committed to Florida State. Louisville, UF are teams that he was rumored to visit but to your knowledge he didn't take those visits and the indication is he's likely to sign on next Wednesday. So this visit could secure that this weekend assuming Douglas continues to feel comfortable like he did with the previous head coach. We expect Douglas to have questions about the way he's going to be used in this offense and if anything has changed in that regard. So as long the comfort is there, and Norvell checks all the boxes or questions for Douglas there's a good chance he could shut things down.
The Skinny on Robinson; What to watch for on visit (Added 12/12 at 9:40 PM)
There was a lot of back and forth shifting on whether Robinson would take the FSU official visit this weekend. He ended up taking the visit and FSU will get a big opportunity to lock Robinson right before he announces on next Wednesday. Robinson has kept things close to the vest so he's a difficult read however based on where things stand or vibe we feel as long as there is a solid connection and comfort with both Norvell, Dillingham on the official visit this weekend the Noles look to be in a good spot. Of course Pitt is also a major factor here in this recruitment, but even bigger then that would be if Ron Dugans is going to be retained to this FSU staff. Sources close to Robinson feel that would likely wrap this thing up since Robinson's parents prefer the Noles. So it should be an interesting visit for Robinson and his family.