The Blitz: July decisions could bring some good news for FSU recruiting

It is no secret that the recruiting process has sped up throughout the country with more and more decisions being made in the summer, and that's not changing any time soon. If anything, it will be more of a constant going forward with many recruits wanting to focus on their senior seasons.

And that is the case with several prospects for which FSU is battling.

One of the big ones would have to be defensive end and four-star prospect Keldric Faulk, who has visited the 'Noles many times during his recruitment. Faulk has been to FSU at least six times in some compacity, and the 'Noles also got his last official visit.

Everything seemed to click perfectly on that recent visit for Faulk, and now he is in decision mode, with an announcement coming on July 5.

The main schools in this picture are FSU, Auburn and Clemson, and Faulk has gotten a detailed look at all three. Coming off of the FSU visit, there is some confidence around the program that the Seminoles are in a good spot with Faulk. This was echoed by a few sources close to the Faulk camp as well.

Still, this is not a prospect we have made a Forecast for at this stage. While I do feel the momentum is there for FSU, Clemson is obviously a strong candidate. I also hear Auburn is still very much in this race. A positive sign for FSU is the fact that Faulk has talked with the coaching staff countless times over the phone since his visit. But that could be the case with other schools as well. For now, we're waiting to hear when something tips this over the edge for one school or another, as his decision approaches next week.

Next, there is four-star CB Avery Stuart, who is going to announce his decision on July 6. This is one where I feel FSU is likely going to be the pick when that decision is made. Kentucky has been the threat and probably had the most momentum going into that final FSU official visit. But the 'Noles knocked it out of the park, per several sources, and he has a very strong connection with secondary coach Marcus Woodson.

At running back, the news is split on whether the Seminoles could be adding more talent to the class in the near future. Coming out of the June 24 visit, it looked really good for FSU and Charlotte, N.C., four-star RB Daylan Smothers. Most people we spoke with at the time stated they felt it was an N.C. State-FSU battle. Both schools have had him on campus and have solid ties to him. However, Oklahoma was always going to be a contender here as well, and I'm told the Sooners have had some very positive conversations with Smothers in recent days. And now the feeling, from even some on the FSU side, is that Oklahoma will win out here. Could RBs coach David Johnson pull out a late win for the 'Noles? Sure, it's possible. But right now it looks like OU.

Then there is four-star RB Sam Singleton out of Fleming Island. With his recruitment, it's been looking like FSU for a while, and those feelings only got stronger after his official visit to FSU on June 24. In fact, I think it's very possible that he decides earlier than expected. He could also take a visit to Penn State or Tennessee, but the family is mulling over the possibility of committing soon. Either way, I think FSU has set itself up well here with the relationships and the fit in the offense. It doesn't hurt that it's closer to home.

Two more we are keeping an eye on in the month of July are DL Tavion Gadson and OT Lucas Simmons, both of whom visited FSU last weekend officially. There is a lot of confidence from the FSU camp on Gadson. Odell Haggins has pushed really hard on this one, so while there isn't an announcement date set, I think you could see him pop early in July.