Analysis: Closer look at FSU coaches' roles in landing top-15 class

Despite those challenges, the 'Noles ended up losing just three committed prospects -- Mississippi offensive tackle Charles Cross and North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell, both of whom ended up signing with in-state schools. The third was defensive lineman Derick Hunter out of Fort Myers (Fla).

Aside from those losses and the failure to land a quarterback, Florida State accomplished most of its goals for the 2019 class.

At the top of the list was beefing up the offensive line and linebacker segments, and the Seminoles came through strong at both positions.

As is usually the case, Florida State's entire coaching staff played different important roles throughout the recruiting process. But if we were to single out the assistant who did the most heavy lifting for Tribe19, it would have to be linebackers coach Raymond Woodie, who assisted or was the main recruiter for a good portion of this class.

Woodie addressed the need at linebacker by adding two Rivals250 prospects -- Kalen Deloach and Jaleel McRae -- and he pulled a surprise by landing Georgia standout LB Kevon Glenn. He was also the main recruiter for DB Renardo Green, DE Quashon Fuller and assisted on the recruitment of DB Brendan Gant and Nick Cross, among others.

"He's very real about everything when you are around Coach Woodie," McRae said. "You never have to wonder about where things stand. I trust him with everything, and he's simply just a tremendous man."

Tight ends coach Telly Lockette also had a very strong hand in landing this class, as he was the main recruiter for the Miami Carol City tandem of DB Jarvis Brownlee, who was previously committed to Miami, and DL Malcolm Ray, who was named the Miami Dolphins defensive player of the year in Dade County.

Lockette also played a pivotal role in landing Rivals100 OL Dontae Lucas. His relationship to the family -- Lockette coached Lucas' older brother in high school and has known the family for years -- was critical to fending off challenges from Florida and Miami. Lockette also played a key part in landing Miami offensive lineman Maurice Smith, who previously was committed to Boston College.

"Lockette is the best," Lucas said. "You always feel like family around him. I know he's going to always be there for me as a person. He was a big part of this for me. I'm excited to be a part of something special at FSU, and we have always had a close bond from the start."