New FSU DE commit Keldric Faulk goes deep into goals at FSU and more
Florida State's recent uptick in football recruiting continued Tuesday as Rivals100 defensive end Keldric Faulk announced his commitment to FSU. He chose the Seminoles over Clemson, Auburn, Florida and others.
After announcing his decision, Faulk was gracious enough to spend some time with Warchant.com for an in-depth interview about the recruiting process, his bonds with various FSU coaches and support staff members, why he wants to help the Seminoles prove the doubters wrong and more.
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Q: So what was it like for you finally getting this done and making your decision? I'm sure it was a wild day.
A: It was pretty unbelievable and not something I've ever encountered in my life for real.
Q: What was the reaction from the FSU staff when you called them during your ceremony to let them know you had made the announcement?
A: When I called them during my ceremony, it was pretty exciting. They were very excited to see me coming over. When I told them, it sounded like Coach Norvell was about to cry.
Q: I know it was a very special day doing all this in front of your family and friends in your community. So what did that moment mean to you?
A: It was great to get it off my chest because everyone has been asking me for like four or five weeks. Now that I have figured it out and let everyone know, it's a relief off my shoulders. A lot of pressure is now gone.
Q: I know that when there is a new commit to FSU, that player is added to the recruit chat. I'm assuming that has already happened with the FSU commits?
A: Oh yes, they actually added me the second I committed. I still have to get to know a lot of the guys since I don't know them yet. As far as other players and me recruiting them, of course I'm going to try and continue to get some recruits with us. I'm not really like a guy that pushes guys. I want everyone to make their decision for themselves. But when I see they are interested, for sure I'm going to talk about FSU and be real.
Q: You have visited FSU a lot over the spring and summer. Was there a main player that you spent a lot of time with on the visits?
A: I really got close with Derrick McLendon. Me and him, seeing and hearing what he wants to do with his career at FSU was real amazing because he has the same dreams I have. We talked about some of the things you do to pursue that dream, and we have a very similar mindset. Just have to keep working hard. Of course, I'm going to keep tabs on him because that's my guy.
Q: Moving over to the decision, Keldric, what was it about Florida State that was the right fit for you?
A: It came to one or two schools for me, FSU and Clemson. With FSU, it was the relationship I had with them that was the best fit. And then when I looked through everything, they were the team I came back to and one I was most comfortable with. I felt so comfortable with that staff every time.
Q: What is your relationship like with FSU defensive ends coach John Papuchis because he really seemed like a big part of your recruitment?
A: At first, on the very first meeting with Coach JP, it was a little different or awkward because I didn't know how to take it because he was a different coach. When I say different coach, I mean his recruitment style is way different. Because when he talks with kids, it's about the person and knowing you for real. It's not about ball. It's really personal. When everyone else calls, it's about ball with other coaches. Him and his recruiting style really caught my attention and I really liked my relationship with him.
It felt like he was all-in on whatever I had to say or talk about, and it was a real personal connection there with Coach JP. I could always talk to him.
Q: Did the emergence of Jermaine Johnson last season with FSU help with your recruitment in any way?
A: It helped a little bit just to see that they can put out those kind of caliber guys. Even though Jermaine came from JUCO to Georgia and then to FSU, he had a development throughout his years. But I feel that FSU was a big part of it.
Q: Clemson and other schools who were recruiting you have had more success than Florida State recently. So what was the draw about FSU that grabbed you so much?
A: I want to write my own story. I don't want to follow behind anybody that has already established something. I want to establish this place where it can be successful for the next 40 or 50 years.
Q: You also have gotten close with FSU senior analyst Austin Tucker during your recruitment. Tell me about that relationship.
A: The first time I met him was two years ago, and we FaceTimed and we introduced each others' families, so I got to know him personally. Know about his kids, wife and him. Then he got to know about my mom, me and my brother. Over that time, we had a real consistent bond. We talk often. We have a good relationship.
Q: And what was unique about your relationship with Coach Norvell?
A: The relationship is great with Coach Norvell. What really blew me over with Coach Norvell is that with every college, there's a recruit pitch or speak. How each one can gain you this amount of money and so on. It's not like that with him. You are going to work for what you are going to get. Once you work to get it, you accomplish something. He told me when I was in his office one day: There are going to be some days I don't like him. Just because he's going to push me to the best I can be. For me, my high school coach does the same thing. And when I get to college, I want someone that is going to push me harder than I would myself, and Coach Norvell does that. I want a coach that is as dedicated to me as I am to that program, and I feel like that's the case with Coach Norvell.
And with the energy with Coach Norvell, it's the same every time. Same person. You talk to the players, and some that don't even start will tell you he's the same guy. He's going to treat you the same. No matter who they are. He's always the same. That's what I want in a coach.
Q: Was there another coach or coaches that really played a big role in your recruitment?
A: Oh, Coach Adam Fuller. That guy right there, he's a real one. Whether I talked to him in person or over the phone, he was always the real thing. Of course we talked ball sometimes, because that's what DCs are going to do. Very sharp guy for real. His personality, he's a real funny guy. He's the life of the party, I can promise you that.
Q: So what was your mom's reaction when you told her that it was FSU? It seemed like she really liked them throughout the process.
A: Yeah, she actually knew yesterday when I told her about the decision. She was excited, happy. My mom was comfortable with any coach and the top four schools. She was excited, but not over the top with emotion. She had a lot of faith in me to build that relationship and make the right choice for me.
Q: Having watched your film, it's obvious that you've become a more polished player over time, using your hands more as a pass-rusher, etc. What aspects of your game have you really worked on improving between your sophomore and junior seasons?
A: Of course I've always been a fast, physical guy, but there were a couple of areas I lacked at defensive end in how violent my hands were ... I had to focus more on getting the fundamentals down. I feel I've progressed a lot. Sometimes I'm standing up too high on the ball. So I'm working on those things. But yes, my hands are something I've put a lot of attention to in being more violent. I'm also working on everything.
Q: So what are your goals for when you get to FSU, and do you plan to enroll early?
A: Yes, I enroll early. Really the opportunity to prove everyone wrong that FSU can come back. They can be what they were, and when they do come back stay on that same side that you were on.
Q: Lastly, tell me about the support you've gotten from FSU fans and your other supporters in making this decision.
A: Oh yes, I have like 40 missed calls. Phone was blowing up like crazy. Most of my close friends were there. Some could not make it because of work and personal things. It was great to share that moment with them.
Seminole fans are crazy. They are real-die hard fans. When you have fans like that, I think the program can skyrocket.
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