Florida State Football: 6 Newcomers To Watch for in 2011-12

Florida State’s 2011 recruiting class was considered by many recruiting services as the top class in the country. It is full of promising prospects who will hope to make an immediate impact. Others might have to wait to see serious playing time but have a bright future wearing the Garnet and Gold.

Florida State is returning many players from last year and will not have to immediately depend on the incoming class, but it is very likely that some of the 2011 class can earn some snaps and maybe make some big plays at the same time.

1. James Wilder, Jr.

Wilder was projected as a linebacker/running back prospect out of high school, and it now seems that he will play on the offensive side of the ball. He might have to wait if his desire is to line up at running back, as the Nole’s backfield is already loaded with experienced talent including Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas.

Wilder, however, is a taller power runner who could provide a complement to the other three backs mentioned. Despite the number of backs in front of Wilder, he is a star with a bright future at Florida State and will provide competition to those ahead of him on the depth chart.

2. Karlos Williams

This safety out of Davenport, FL is easily considered the top defensive prospect of the 2011 class. Williams is likely to have an immediate impact in a young secondary that will be developing and looking for freshmen to step up. Williams is a natural athlete with tremendous strength, and he is already physically ready to be a star at the college level.

This blue chip recruit will likely hold a position at strong safety, and despite his already impressive size, he has room to fill out his frame even more once he settles into the college game. Look for him to be a beast in the secondary with the likes of Nick Moody and Terrance Parks when he gets the chance to showcase his ability.

3. Christian Green

While not technically a new freshman, Christian Green will be a redshirt freshman and ready to be a big time wideout in a receiving corps that could be the best in the ACC. The recent news of Taiwan Easterling signing a contract with the Chicago Cubs could open up a position for Green to be a big play receiver for the Seminoles. The coaching staff will be hoping for the young Green to fill the shoes of the recently departed Easterling.

At 6’2”, 200, Green is a playmaker who will be coming out of his redshirt freshman year ready to be a great Seminole receiver. He will be a great addition to an already solid group of receivers but look for Green to show his ability when he gets the opportunity on the field.

4. Jacob Fahrenkrug

Jacob Fahrenkrug is like Green in that he is not necessarily a freshman, but this will be his first year at FSU, as he has transferred from North Dakota State College of Science. He will more than likely take his place on an O-line that will be taking steps to replace Ryan McMahon and Rodney Hudson.

If there is a weakness in this year’s FSU squad, it is the offensive line. Fahrenkrug will need to be an anchor whether he plays at center or guard. He is ready to play and will need to stay healthy. Injuries plagued the O-line this spring, and what the offensive line will look like this fall is a big question mark.

5. Cornelius “Tank” Carradine

The most physically-dominant defensive prospect of the newcomers at 6’5” and 245 pounds, Cornelius Carradine is already an impact player with two years of experience in junior college under his belt. Carradine only has two years of eligibility and will not waste time showing his abilities on the field this year.

The defensive line is one of the more veteran-packed groups for the Noles with all four starters returning. Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops will look to these guys to lead the attack in the trenches, but will more than likely give Carradine some chances throughout the season. He has the quickness to beat a lineman trying to engage him and the strength to run him over.

Look for him to show his abilities as a reserve this fall.

6. Tim Jernigan

If there is a surprise name among this group, it is Tim Jernigan. The defensive tackle out of Lake City, FL is seen as lacking the normal size for the position but could grow into a strong rusher. Even though he does not possess the prototypical size of a D-tackle, he is able to get penetration and break down the pocket.

Jernigan is less likely to get the snaps that Carradine will and might not make an impact until his sophomore year, but Jernigan was one of the highly touted recruits of this freshman FSU class.