Rivals100 offensive lineman Landon Dickerson was a massive pickup for Florida State on National Signing Day, and there were a number of reasons that led to his eventual destination of Tallahassee.
FSU offensive line coach Rick Trickett played a major role, but there were many other factors as well. In our latest 2016 Signee Update, Dickerson explains why he ultimately chose the Seminoles, what kind of an impact he expects to have at Florida State, his competitive nature and more.
Position: Offensive Tackle/Guard
Redshirt: TBD
Jersey preference: Somewhere in the 50s, possibly No. 55
Roommate: OL Josh Ball
Major: Business
Arrival Date: May 7
School that finished second: Tennessee
Florida State's coaching staff made a huge finish to close with the nation's No. 2-ranked signing class this past February, and one of the players that pushed the Seminoles toward the top was Rivals100 offensive lineman Landon Dickerson of Hudson, N.C.
Dickerson, who is rated the No. 1 guard in the country, said the Seminoles overcame the distance factor by building strong personal relationships with him and his family.
"It was actually a struggle, but not a huge struggle," Dickerson said of picking Florida State. "The cons with FSU was that it was farther away, and Tennessee was a lot closer. But I liked the FSU coaching staff a little better. The Thursday before I went to Tennessee [for a visit] is when I committed to Coach Jimbo Fisher on my in-home. Tennessee had stopped talking to me for about a week and a half, and I think they kind of gave up or knew."
The relationship between Dickerson and FSU offensive line coach Rick Trickett was strong from the start, but the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder said there were other factors as well.
"I want to say it was Coach Trickett, Coach Fisher, and I really like the atmosphere, the game atmosphere, the people there at FSU, everything," he said. "The players, too, was a big thing. I felt like I've known those guys forever, so that was a big part too. ...
"I definitely did feel the family vibe. It's a mixture of a family vibe, but a seriousness with it. They really found a good balance between being there for you, but also getting all they can out of you in working you hard. That's what I really like."
Click here to read the rest of this Signee Update, including Dickerson discussing his relationship with fellow FSU signee Josh Ball, what people don't know about FSU OL coach Rick Trickett, why he expects to play as a freshman and much more.
Other 2016 Signee updates
LB Emmett Rice getting bigger, ready to make an impact
FB Gabe Nabers: Keeps Lowndes pipeline going strong
DB Carlos Becker: Ocala star brings versatility to FSU
OL Mike Arnold: Focused on making early impact
OL Josh Ball: Excited about 'ridiculous' OL class
OL Baveon Johnson: Not waiting to put in extra work
RB Amir Rasul: Miami product brings more than just speed to FSU
TE Naseir Upshur: Philadelphia product's love of FSU grows after unique commitment
LB Keion Joyner: Joyner finally makes his awaited visit, talks grades, FSU, more
WR Keith Gavin: "I feel it's my turn now"
LB Dontavious Jackson: Is he FSU's missing piece at LB?
-------------------------------------
