Sneak Peek at recruiting: Offense

For the next two weeks, we will take a look at the top high school prospects that could end up at Florida State. We will start with several offensive players that have the Garnet and Gold high on their list.

The pickings are slim for the Tribe at quarterback. That’s not very surprising considering FSU has three sophomores and one freshman quarterback on the roster. California signal callers Kyle Wright and Tommy Grady made verbal commitments within the past month to Miami and Oklahoma, respectively. That leaves only JaMarcus Russell (6-5/225 4.7) from Mobile, Alabama (Williamson); Blake Mitchell (6-4/180 4.7) from LaGrange, Georgia; and Chris Leak (6-1/205 4.6) from Charlotte, North Carolina (Independence). However, FSU has a lot of ground to make up to have a serious shot at any of these three.

The situation is similar at running back. Three highly rated tailbacks enrolled at Florida State this fall. With all that talent waiting in the wings, this is not a position of need. However, FSU is still actively recruiting a few of the nation’s elite prospects, just in case. Demetris Summers (6-1/200 4.6) from Lexington, South Carolina is rated as the No. 3 running back in the nation according to Rivals100.com. Although he grew up a Seminole fan, it might be tough to get him out of South Carolina.

A player FSU might have a better shot at is Joe Cohen (6-2/240 4.47) from Palm Bay. Most have the five-star recruit listed as a defensive end but he has stated his preference to play on offense either at tailback or fullback. At last check he listed FSU and Miami as his leaders. Other possibilities are Rashaun Grant (5-11/190 4.4) from Tampa (Jefferson) and Brian Dennison (5-11/194 4.4) from Jacksonville (Mandarin).

The story is much different at wide receiver where some of the nation’s top prospects are taking a hard look at the Garnet and Gold. FSU is a leader or a co-leader for three wideouts considered by many the top three in the country. The Sporting News rates Antonio Cromartie (6-3/200 4.43) from Tallahassee (Lincoln) as the top receiver in the nation.

He grew up in the shadow of Doak Campbell Stadium and has consistently listed FSU and Florida as his top two choices. Rivals100.com rates Tampa Jefferson’s Andre Caldwell (6-2/180 4.4) as its No. 1 wide receiver. Although his older brother is Reche Caldwell, formerly of the Florida Gators, he appears to be seriously considering all the Florida schools. There are many who believe Whitney Lewis (6-1/215 4.35) from Ventura, California (St. Bonaventure) is the most physically gifted athlete in the land. If his high school looks familiar, it should. Lorenzo Booker, the talented freshman tailback, graduated from St. Bonaventure and he is doing his best to get his former teammate to follow him to Tallahassee.

Florida State’s possibilities don’t end with those three. At last check, Georgia’s top wide receiver, Sean Bailey (6-0/165 4.4) from Alpharetta, favored the Seminoles. Over in Jacksonville is the super smooth Anthony “Amp” Hill (6-2/195 4.47). Although many believe Hill will end up in Gainesville, he attended FSU’s summer camp and will give the Seminoles his final official visit on Jan. 10. A player whose stock is on the rise is DeCody Fagg (6-3/190 4.5) from nearby Quincy (Shanks). He recently received a scholarship offer from FSU.

The future looks bright at wide receiver, but offensive line is where Florida State really needs to load up on talent. The ‘Noles are already off to a good start, getting an early verbal commitment from Jacksonville Bolles’ John Frady. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound guard earned all-state honors as a junior and is rated by Rivals100.com as the No. 8 guard prospect in the nation. A player FSU would love to sign next February is Ft. Lauderdale’s Andrew Bain. At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Bain is probably the top offensive line prospect in Florida. Even though he attended FSU’s summer camp, he appears to be leaning to Miami at this point. Florida State is also keeping a close eye on Kevin Brown (6-2/285) from Long Beach, California (Poly).

A player who does have an offer is Georgia’s Zeb McKinzey (6-4/280) from Lilburn (Parkview). Considered the top guard prospect in the Peach State, McKinzey favors Georgia, Clemson, FSU and Georgia Tech. FSU is also in the running for one of the top offensive linemen in the Northeast, Dan Mazan (6-4/295) from Carteret, New Jersey. Also, keep an eye on Steven Justice (6-4/265) from New Smyrna Beach.

At the tackle position the top recruit in Florida may be Jacksonville’s Aubrey McPhadden. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound First Coast star attended FSU’s summer camp and will likely stay in state and sign with one of the three Florida powerhouses. Another five-star tackle prospect looking at FSU is Trey Chandler (6-6/265). Early on, it looks like this will be a Seminole-Bulldog battle for Georgia’s top lineman. The Tribe might have an ace in the hole as Chandler goes to Buford High School; the same school attended by FSU wide receivers P.K. and Lorne Sam.

If McPhadden isn’t Florida’s top tackle prospect, fellow Jacksonville native David Price (6-5/315) probably is. Price has favored the Tribe for a while and if the coaches turn up the heat chances are pretty good he’ll end up in Tallahassee.

Finally, David Overmyer (6-5/270) is another outstanding prospect from the Peach State.

Last week, we discussed in detail the ‘Noles’ top two tight end targets; Jonathan Stupar (6-5/245 4.8) from State College, PA and D.J. Norris (6-3/240 4.65) from Pensacola (Pace).