'FSU was the place' ... 4-star WR McClain discusses signing with 'Noles

Rivals250 wide receiver Malik McClain spoke with Warchant's Michael Langston on Friday evening about his signing with the Florida State football team.

On his decision:

"I had such good personal relationships with the entire staff. When you know, you know. And FSU was the place."

On his relationship with WRs coach Ron Dugans.

"He was the guy that I talked the most with, and it was personal. He gave me great advice before the recruiting process started that connected with me."

On FSU landing former UCF star QB McKenzie Milton:

"Yes, it helped some. But I knew about McKenzie before he transferred to FSU. I remember seeing him against Auburn, and I was like, 'Man, this guy can ball.' Then after I committed, he reached out to me and said, 'Let's get to work and take it to the top.'"

On the Seminoles' 2021 class:

"This is a special group of guys that are going to change things and get FSU back to the top. Everyone is focused and locked in."

On his fit with FSU's offense and where he hopes to improve his game

"Downfield threat is certainly one of my best things, and [creating] separation. I want to improve on my strides when I get into the routes. I'm really excited about this offense. Enrolling early helps me get right into it. I can't wait. Excited to be a 'Nole."

Four-star IMG wide receiver Malik McClain, who committed to Florida State in August before backing out of that pledge about two weeks ago, will end up with the Seminoles after all.

McClain announced he was signing with FSU on Friday afternoon, the last day of the early signing period.

*ALSO SEE: Breakdown of what the McClain signing means to FSU

The 6-foot-5, 195-pounder originally selected FSU over offers from Miami, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and others. He hails from Alabama but plays for the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

McClain is expected to be a January enrollee, which means he will be able to participate in spring practice.

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The Rivals250 member is the second WR commitment for the Seminoles in the class of 2021, joining South Carolina product Joshua Burrell.

“We are so very excited with the addition of Malik McClain to the Florida State family," FSU coach Mike Norvell said after McClain's letter of intent arrived. "Malik is a dynamic playmaker who possesses great size, speed and agility, and he can be utilized to attack defenses in a variety of ways. We believe Malik is a special young man not only with his ability on the field but also his personality, heart and passion for success off the field.

"We are looking forward to Malik starting classes in January and beginning his journey helping Florida State climb back to where our program deserves to be.”

McClain gives FSU 17 commitments for the class, and the addition of the four-star prospect pushes the Seminoles' class to No. 27 in the team rankings.

Head coach Mike Norvell said the 'Noles would like to sign four receivers in this class, and that likely will include one or two college transfers.

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