If Saturday's Florida State-Florida game showed one thing, it was the importance of winning the battle in the trenches. The Seminoles' defensive front overwhelmed UF's offensive line, recording six sacks, and the FSU offensive line posted a shutout against the Gators' much-hyped defensive line.
FSU's performance in the 31-13 victory made a very strong impression on the many recruits who were in attendance, especially defensive tackle Dalyn Wade-Perry, who took his official visit this past weekend with his mother.
"I really loved it. It was perfect," Wade-Perry said. "It was great, and it was definitely a lot better than I expected. I mean, I didn't think anything bad would happen, but I liked it a lot. It was a great trip, and I'm glad I came."
The 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive lineman from Sparta, N.J., said the trip to Tallahassee stood out from other college trips he has made.
"It was amazing," he said. "It was just different because I've been down to Rutgers, Penn State and Notre Dame, and this one was different. The players were different (in their closeness), the atmosphere, coaches were great. It was very impressive."
Wade-Perry's host for the weekend was freshman linebacker Josh Brown, and the defensive tackle said the pair hit it off from the start. He also enjoyed his time getting to know FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher and defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins. He said he already had a good bond with Haggins and FSU recruiting coordinator Tim Brewster.
"They talked to me about coming in and working hard and playing here, and they are excited about what I offer as a player and a student," Wade-Perry said. "I have a great relationship with Coach Brew, and I've talked with Coach Odell since the spring. I liked him a lot, and you can see how much his players love him."
