Florida State Seminoles Football: 5 Freshmen 'Noles Fans Are Dying to See

Seminoles fans are excited about several recruits from Jimbo Fisher's prized 2012 recruiting class.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Part of the belief in the theory that Florida State will finally turn the corner and win the ACC this fall is due to the wealth of talent that Jimbo Fisher has lured to Tallahassee since he took over for Bobby Bowden. 

Last season, a rash of injuries hit the Seminoles and forced several true freshmen—most notably players on offense like receiver Rashad Greene, tailback Devonta Freeman and a quartet of offensive linemen—into action. 

Fisher used the momentum from a strong finish on the field last season to secure a recruiting class rated No. 2 in the country, per 247 Sports. 

The loaded 19-man class is heavy on star power, but with a roster filled with experienced upperclassmen, which former prep stars are Seminoles fans dying to get their first glimpse of this fall? 

Here are five freshmen who FSU fans are eager to see.  

5. Marvin Bracy

WR Marvin Bracy highlights at 2012 Under Armour All-American game

The element that makes Bracy an exciting talent is his world-class speed, but the Under-Armour All-American is not a track athlete masquerading on the gridiron.  

The 5’9”, 165-pound wide receiver is simply a blur in pads—one that averaged more than 21 yards per touch (rushing and receiving) as a prep senior.  

Bracy has the potential to be a difference-maker as a receiver and as a return man, but his quickness adds another dimension to an already stacked group of skill-position talent on hand at Fisher’s disposal.  

4. Markuss Eligwe

HS Highlights LB Markuss Eligwe

Linebacker is one position where depth may be of concern this season for an FSU defense that is expected to be one of the nation’s best.  

The U.S. Army All-American and Peach State import was one of the top prep linebackers in the country—as his skill set is equipped with equal effectiveness against the run and the pass, all while wrapped in a 6’2”, 231-pound package.  

With upperclassmen who could be in the NFL next season starting at both outside linebacker positions for the ‘Noles, expect Eligwe and fellow freshman Reggie Northrup to get some playing time in preparation for 2013 and a potential chance to crack the starting lineup.  

3. Mario Edwards, Jr.

HS Highlights, DE Mario Edwards, Jr.

The son of former Seminole and NFL defensive back Mario Edwards, the younger Edwards was rated as the top player in the class of 2012 by ESPN and 247 Sports.  

Edwards has the size and power of a nose tackle, yet the burst and quickness of a linebacker coming off the edge—despite tipping the scales at 6’3”, 295 pounds.  

Although FSU has a defensive end tandem that may be the nation’s best, Edwards is a rare, beastly specimen with the ability to crack a rotation that possesses at least three NFL-caliber ends ahead of him on the depth chart.

2. Eddie Goldman

HS Highlights DT Eddie Goldman

With the likes of Edwards and quarterback signee Jameis Winston, Goldman may be the 5-star prospect who gets forgotten about in the star-studded 2012 class.  

However, Goldman has only been practicing with his new teammates for a little more than a week and he’s wasted little time in making an impression. 

The 6’5”, 305-pound defensive tackle has already created a buzz similar to last season’s prized defensive line signee—rising sophomore starter Timmy Jernigan.  

Seminoles fans can only hope that Goldman makes an impact similar to that of Jernigan last season.  

1. Ronald Darby

HS highlights, DB Ronald Darby

Perhaps the most impressive newcomer thus far in FSU’s fall camp has been Darby—who has already thrown his hat into the ring for the starting corner slot vacated by recently dismissed star Greg Reid. 

The 5’11”, 189-pounder has flashed the speed, instincts and cover skills that gave him the distinction of being labeled as 2012’s top corner prospect according to 247 Sports.  

Darby has wowed teammates with his ability to make the transition to the college level with few setbacks thus far, and he appears to be a safe bet to find the field early and often this fall.  

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