McAroy picks the Noles

With Florida State failing to sign a cornerback last year this was one position where the Seminole coaches were hoping to load up on through the recruiting process. Although Ryan “Bird” Gilliam, who committed earlier this month, can play the position the first true cornerback to verbally pledge to FSU is Pensacola Senior standout Jhermaine McAroy.

The third team all-state defensive back favored the ‘Noles during most of the recruiting process but a recent visit from Bobby Bowden put him over the edge.

“It was his life-long dream to play for Florida State,” head coach Mike Bennett told Warchant.com. “He always wanted to be a Seminole. Also, there isn’t a better defensive backs coach or defensive coordinator to play for than Mickey Andrews. Wherever you look in the NFL former Mickey Andrews players are there.”

At 6’2” and 170-pounds, McAroy fits into the mold of a big fast cornerback that Florida State is looking for. During his senior season he recorded five interceptions and approximately 62 tackles. Also, he surrendered only six receptions in coverage and did not give up a touchdown pass last year.

“He started at cornerback for us since his sophomore year,” Bennett said. “He’s got 4.39 speed and can run. We only play one-on-one coverage, no zone, so he’s pretty much out on an island. We are pretty confident that his side of the field will be shut down when he’s out there. After a while people stopped throwing over there.”

McAroy selected FSU over Clemson, Florida and South Carolina. He is fully qualified academically and carries a 3.0 GPA.